Mad Joe Black of Wisdom in Chains

Wisdom in Chains just released their new album Nothing In Nature Respects Weakness. As frontman Mad Joe Black explains, "It’s a reminder that when you feel like giving up you have to keep pushing forward. Nature will not pity you. Life will not pity you. So, make yourself so you can fight through the inevitable struggles." Whew! That's intense. In order to get a glimpse of what drove this album, Punknews' Eric Rosso spoke to Joe himself about the new LP, cellphone addiction, and the concept of hardcore itself.

Standing tall on the wings of The Jukebox Romantics' dreams

New York's The Jukebox Romantics have been touring relentlessly in support of their most recent album Sleepwalk Me Home, which was released last year on Paper+Plastic Records. On June 29th, Punknews' Jeff Sorley met up with the pop-punk trio after their set at the Mill Hill Basement in Trenton, NJ. Suffice it to say, their on-stage banter and exuberance isn't an act. Over an eight-minute period with guitarist/vocalist Mike "Terry" Terry and bassist/vocalist Bobby Edge, which was chock full of pop-culture references, back-and-forth banter, and almost-in-tears laughter; he managed to corral some semblance of an interview.

Dwid Hellion on Integrity's New Record, G.I.S.M., and Annihilation

Most people fear the final end, raging against the dying of the light, praying for ascension, or just generally hoping that the inevitable isn't so inevitable. Integrity mastermind Dwid Hellion, on the other hand, sees the final annihilation as the only good result. In fact, the band's last album, the spiraling (and excellent) Howling, for the Nightmare Shall Consume spent about an hour making the argument that humanity itself deserved extermination and nothing better.

Hellion isn't a happy-go-lucky kind of fellow, so on the band's upcoming split 12-inch with Krieg, he doubles down on the argument with two savage originals wherein he prays for the black end and picks two covers- including a version of underground Japanese legends G.I.S.M. To see why Hellion wants everything- and we mean everything- to just end, Punknews' John Gentile spoke to him about thew new split release, the Dadaist art movement, and the end of the universe. Check it out below.

The past, present, and Airstream Futures

On June 29th, Chicago’s Airstream Futures made a quick trip over to the east coast for two nights of gigs with The Jukebox Romantics. Punknews’ Jeff Sorley caught up with the band for an impromptu, and surprisingly conversational, interview to discuss their new EP, touring the UK, and other fun tidbits.

Boots Riley on 'Sorry to Bother You'

Boots Riley has arrived. For almost 30 years, the Bay Area native has been kicking out some of the most fiery, most clever, most radically left Hip Hop there is with his group The Coup. But, now, after years of hammering away, Riley has released his cinematic masterpiece, Sorry to Bother You.

The film follows Oakland's Cassius Green as he takes a job as a lowly telemarketer just to make ends meet. But, Green doesn't start making the Green until he, at the advice of Danny Glover, adopts a "white voice" in order to set his customers at ease. But from there, Riley then sends the whole thing into another planet as the film morphs into a magical realism journey that includes biting commentary on the modern capitalistic system. We'd tell you more but… you really do have to see this for yourself.

To see what Riley has to say about the film, Punknews' John Gentile rang him up to talk about telemarketing, working with Tessa Thompson, and what's up with the Coup in 2018. Check it out below.

Back From Hell with Satanic Surfers

Forming almost three decades ago in Sweden, Satanic Surfers have been serving up hard driving and melodic punk. After disbanding in 2007, the band returned for a few festivals in 2015. After making their return, Satanic Surfers released their new album Back From Hell in April of 2018. Back From Hell picks up right from where the band left off, which combines their classic fast and technical brand of skatepunk. While the release doesn’t abandon their classic sound, the album shows off a matured worldview. Punknews contributor Christopher Barrett got a chance to chat with guitarist Magnus Blixtberg about their reunion, writing a new record, trying to tour on a more part-time basis, and what he looked forward to with their upcoming appearance at the 77’ Montreal Festival later this month.

Getting existential with Jason Lubrano of Iron Chic

Iron Chic have been around for a decade now. And in those ten years, they’ve released a prolific amount of music. Now on their third full-length and first for Side One Dummy Records, Iron Chic have continued their steady and understated rise as one of punk’s most authentic and endearing bands. You Can’t Stay Here doesn’t simply pick up where their previous releases left off. Rather, it shows the band moving into more mature and melodic sonic areas. This past year has also seen Iron Chic take their DIY ethic to bigger stages, having completed runs with Propagandhi, The Movielife, and Off With Their Heads. Punknews contributing writer Mike Musilli had a chance to chat with singer Jason Lubrano about the new record, touring, existentialism, and more ahead of their appearance at the 77’ Montreal festival.

Dicky Barrett of the Mighty Mighty Bosstones

Dicky Barrett is a busy man right now. While acting as the gravelly voiced announcer for Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the Rhode Island native is fronting the The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, one of the few groups in the small but thriving ska scene who have broke into mainstream success.

While working on set of his small side project, the sarcastic rude boy took the time out of his busy schedule to chat with Punknews interviewer Gen Handley about the Bosstones’ new album - While We’re At It - and why the world needs ska music right now.

Mickey Rickshaw on being a “professional” band

Mickey Rickshaw, an 8-piece band from Boston, has been making waves in the Celtic Punk scene (and beyond) over the past few years. Soon after returning from Flogging Molly’s annual Salty Dog Cruise, the band headed to Asbury Park, NJ to record their new album with Pete Steinkopf of the Bouncing Souls. Punknews Pete Vincelli sat down with Mike Rivkees (who can spit out facts and folklore in any conversation he as), Jimmy Donovan (who made a girl cry ‘cause he snores so loud) and Kyle Goyette (definitely the coolest bouzouki player we know) in Asbury to discuss the cruise and their new record. And with a clink of a few beer mugs, the interview began:

Dog Party on Beatles, Breakups, and their new album

The three chord, high energy duo Dog Party are about to release their sixth record, Hit & Run. As before, sisters Gwendolyn and Lucy Giles stick to a sharp guitar/drum attack that is reminiscent of the Ramones and the first wave of west coast punk. But this record is their shortest, fastest, and meanest one to date- and that's a good thing!

Because the record is out this Friday, Punknews' John Gentile spoke to the band about the LP, the Beatles, and keepin' it DIY. Check it out below.

Discourage on modern hardcore, being socially conscious, and the importance of reading

Discourage, from Oakland, are a hardcore band that seeks to confront their listeners. While their music isn’t necessarily breaking any sonic boundaries, they play with a purpose and energy that draws from the socio-political issues of the day- theirs is a socially conscious aggression. Drawing on a combination of contemporary hardcore and the more classic youth crew pedigree, Discourage cultivate a sound that is at once passionate and aggressive. And, agree or disagree with their beliefs, they very much have something to say. Punknews' Mike Musilli sat down with Eric and Matt to talk the band, their self-titled EP, the climate of our country, and their penchant for literary allusions.