Grieves and Budo

Having gradually made a name for themselves in the underground hip-hop circuit over the past two years, it was time for Grieves and Budo to branch out in support of their most recent effort Together/Apart, as they hit up Warped Tour earlier this year, certainly making a positive impression and gaining some well-deserved recognition.

Punknews interviewer Faye Turnbull caught up with the breakout duo about their "punk rock' summer," being labeled "emo hipster rap," and their unique crossover appeal – along with a couple of welcomed interruptions from tour mate Evidence – ahead of the first date of the mighty Rhymesayers Tour in London.

Sam Sutherland (Junior Battles)

Toronto's Junior Battles sort of just popped up out of nowhere. In less than two years time, the band has gone from being a group of guys who pronounce common words in funny ways, to being one of the most recognizable bands in the punk scene. Punknews Contributor Zac Hobbs (of Campaign) caught up with Sam Sutherland just after the Fest 10 to test his knowledge of Canadian geography and to talk about Junior Battles, the positive aspects of Paper + Plastick, Canadian punk and the book Sutherland is writing about the subject.

Nate Gangelhoff (Banner Pilot)

It didn't take long for Banner Pilot to disrupt the groundswell within the punk community from the likes of acts like the Gaslight Anthem and Off With Their Heads. Of course, if you were following the latter, then you were most definitely affixed to Banner Pilot. When the Minneapolis quartet released it's full length, Collapser, in 2008, it drew attention from critics and fans alike. Perhaps due to pedigree (ex-everything) or association ("Minneapolis," incidentally, is the punk code word for acceptance), Banner Pilot rose quickly and relentlessly. And then, nothing. As quickly as they came, they left. After long pause (and, apparently, incessant questioning), the group returned with their sophomore record on Fat Wreck Chords, Heart Beats Pacific. Punknews contributor Matthew Bentel caught up with bassist Nate Gangelhoff and found out why the band is on steroids, what keeps Banner Pilot going, and why Tom Delonge provided guests vocals.

Andrew W.K.

Andrew W.K. is a puzzle wrapped in an enigma, shrouded in mystery, swathed in a bloody white t-shirt. After recording the soundtracks to countless parties with the massively successful party rock albums 2001's I Get Wet and 2003's The Wolf, Andrew W.K. was suddenly plagued with bizarre conspiracy theory accusations. Difficult to trace sources accused the musician variously of being a front for a massive media corporation, of having stolen another's identity, and even of not actually existing!

The rock wild man didn't seem to help clear the air with his resulting actions which included releasing albums in Japan only, becoming a motivational speaker, and even claiming that the Andrew W.K. of 2010 was physically a different person than the Andrew W.K. of 2001! Recently, Andrew W.K. has reinforced his concept of the "Party" as a method for living life to its fullest, hosted the successful TV program Destroy Build Destroy, and is working on a new album for 2012. To get to the bottom of these quagmires, staff writer John Gentile put on a black t-shirt, jeans, and shoes and partied with Andrew where they covered the concept of "the party," his new album, working with the legendary Lee "Scratch" Perry, and whether he actually is the same physical entity that told us to "Party Hard" in 2001.

Ryan Key (Yellow Card)

Yellowcard has had a hell of a 2011, returning after their 3 year hiatus with a new album, an acoustic version of the same album and a tour. They're back, and they're back for good. Punknews interviewer Jason Epstein sat down with guitarist/vocalist Ryan Key at a recent show in NYC to chat about the band's past, present and future.

Derek Archambault (Defeater)

Well over halfway through co-headlining a tour with Bane, Defeater certainly gives no indication that touring takes a toll on what happens on stage. After playing to a packed out, little venue in Nashville, TN on Veteran's Day, lead singer Derek Archambault stepped outside of The End's jam packed space to give Punknews' Copy Editor Amelia Cline, some insight as to what it is to tour non-stop, be featured on NPR, what Veteran's Day meant for them and what the next few months will bring for the best Hardcore band that's presented itself in years.

Mike Gallo (Agnostic Front)

Agnostic Front is tearing through the country, touring on the heels of their new album My Life, My Way. Punknews interviewer Jason Epstein got a chance to speak to the NY hardcore legends bassist Mike Gallo in their hometown near the Lower East Side recently. They talked about New York, hardcore memories and aging legends.

Tommy Stinson (The Replacements, Guns n’ Roses, Soul Asylum)

It's hard to put together a better rock n'roll resume than that of Tommy Stinson's. After helping form The Replacements at the ripe age of twelve years old, Stinson served as the sole bass player of the band until its ultimate demise in 1991. Since then, Stinson has worked on various projects and--perhaps most notably--he has been holding down bass duties for the ever-mercurial Guns N' Roses. Stinson also tours and records with alt-rock vets, and fellow Minnesotans, Soul Asylum. This past summer, Stinson recorded a solo album chocked full of alt-twang power pop titled One Man Mutiny. Punknews' interviewer Michael Dauphin recently caught up with Stinson as he was popping in and out of shops in his newly-adopted town in upstate New York to discuss his new album, his charitable endeavors, and, of course, The 'Mats and G N'R.

Tim Brown (Elway)

It hit everyone by surprise, when 10-4 Eleanor changed their name to Elway last year. It surprised John Elway, NFL Legend and Hall of Fame Quarterback, the most but the Ft. Collins quartet weren't scared. Earlier this year they released Delusions, their Red Scare Industries debut and an early contender for Album of the Year. Punknews Interviewer Justin Dickman chatted with Vocalist/Guitar player Tim Browne about the (John) Elway issue, the fine cuisine of Chicago and a little about Fest.

Rick Jimenez (This Is Hell)

Rising out of the ashes of numerous Long Island hardcore bands, such as Scraps and Heart Attacks, Subterfuge, and the Back-Up Plan, and releasing their demo in 2004, the members of This Is Hell continue to play hardcore that represents a melding of past influences and originality. Despite line-up and label changes, the band soldiered onward and recently released Black Mass on Rise Records this month. Punknews staff interviewer Andrew Clark spoke with guitarist Rick Jimenez about the new LP, disregarding scene trends, and professional wrestling being America's purest cultural institution.

Chris Matulich (Nothington)

Recalling familiar elements of Bay Area melodic punk favorites, including Jawbreaker and Samiam, San Francisco's Nothington recently released Borrowed Time and embarked on a European tour last month in support of it. Thanks to the good people at Red Scare, the band's label, staff interviewer Andrew Clark spoke with guitarist/vocalist Chris Matulich about touring in foreign countries, writing lyrics, and his thoughts on the 'Orgcore genre.