Dan Andriano (Dan Andriano in the Emergency Room/Alkaline Trio)

The foundation of talent within Alkaline Trio is pretty apparent every time the three guys come together from different parts of the US to record their next anticipated album. The group's strength becomes even more obvious when members pursue projects on their own, continuing to bridge the worlds of good and evil with sharp lyrics and catchy melodies. Over the years, we have seen co-vocalist and bassist Dan Andriano flirt with other endeavors on the side, but not until Dan Andriano in the Emergency Room have we had the opportunity to listen to something that is 100 per cent Andriano.

Before an Alkaline Trio show at the Hardrock Caf̩ in Las Vegas, Dan spoke to Punknews interviewer Gen Handley about the Trio's latest release, Damnesia, his dire take on the music industry and how Dan Andriano in the Emergency Room tested his Рand his wife's Рsanity.

Justin Collier (Man Overboard)

It's an hour before Man Overboard's set in Kingston, UK, and it's all a bit frantic for the self-proclaimed defenders of pop-punk, with a deported member and missing merch. Thankfully, though, guitarist Justin Collier still manages to spare some time with Punknews interviewer Faye Turnbull on the first night of their tour supporting Polar Bear Club.

Todd Congelliere (Toys That Kill/Underground Railroad to Candyland, FYP)

Many people may know Todd Congelliere as frontman of the acclaimed pop-punk band Toys That Kill, as well as The Underground Railroad To Candyland, F.Y.P, and Stoned at Heart. They also might know him as founder and owner of Recess Records, home to bands like Pinhead Gunpowder, the Arrivals, and Rivethead. But before all that, he made a name for himself as a professional skateboarder in the late 80s and early 90s alongside such mainstays as Tony Hawk, Mike Vallely, and Rodney Mullen. Punknews writer Tyler Barrett caught up with Todd at the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis, where Toys that Kill was playing a sold-out show with the Soviettes, Marked Men, Birthday Suits, and the Arrivals.

Luke McNeill (The Copyrights)

For those of you that have been anxiously awaiting something new from The Copyrights, the wait is almost over. Everyone’s favorite pop punk darlings from the middle-of-nowhere Illinois are about to serve up their latest offering, North Sentinel Island via Red Scare Industries on August 9th. They also have two CD release shows planned in Chicago on August 5th & 6th at Underground Lounge. That's right, two back to back shows…probably as an apology to all of us that have waited so patiently for something new from these guys. Vic Ferro from St. Fall Apart had the chance to sit down and chat with Luke McNeill about their upcoming release, punk rock festivals, and coming of age.

Boots Riley (The Coup/Street Sweeper Social Club)

Although a lot of radical musicians talk the talk, few walk the walk like Boots Riley. Riley has been the driving force behind hip hop group The Coup for almost 20 years, weaving dense, but playful, rhymes that address everything from killing CEO's to having broken down cars to George Bush and Saddam Hussein's "special friendship." He's also the mouth piece for the politically charged Street Sweeper Social Club, Tom Morello's current hard rock group. In addition, he just recently laid down a guest verse on the upcoming Star Fucking Hipsters album. But, in addition to busting out tight rhymes, Riley has spent time busting up injustices as a community organizer. He's also spoken at campuses, equal rights conferences, and even verbally sparred on Bill Mahr's Politically Incorrect.

Now that The Coup is preparing to release a new EP and a new album, Punknews Staff Writer John Gentile went out and bought a new Che Guevara t-shirt, and then sat down with Riley to talk about the Coup's upcoming movie, his time working as a telemarketer, and why frat boys have been unfairly judged by many in the punk community (including by Yours Truly).

Band on Band: Attica! Attica!/Ruiner

Recently, Attica! Attica! and Ruiner paired up to release a very special (and partly posthumous) Under the Influence 7". Aaron Scott, of Attica! Attica!, and Rob Sullivan, of Ruiner, took the chance to sit down and discuss the finer points of cover songs, food service and wrestling. The split is available for purchase here and can be streamed via Ruiners' Punknews.org Profile.

Nick Woods (Direct Hit)

With 5 digital EPs under their belt and their debut full length just over a month away, Direct Hit! is pumping up (pun intended) for it's release. Guitarist and singer Nick Woods spoke to staff interviewer Justin Dickman about the decision to include already released material, the process of using Kickstarter, Nick's illicit thoughts on the comic adaptation trend in Hollywood; including the beloved and the scorned, as well as his favorites when it comes to the comic world. Not to mention, a genuine authentic Nick Woods comic book idea, subject to copyright.

Set Your Goals

In the midst of Set Your Goals latest tour in the UK, Punknews interviewer Faye Turnbull sat down with Mike Ambrose (drummer) and Audelio "Junior" Flores (guitar) in Nottingham, where they discussed the pending release of Burning at Both Ends and provided an insight on the 'gig life' movement.

Paul Pendley (Red City Radio)

Red City Radio is a band that has been able to burst out of their panhandle state and make a splash on to the national punk scene. Guitarist and vocalist Paul Pendley was kind enough to sit down with Punknews interviewer Alex Eschbach and answer a few questions. Paul discusses the pressures of recording a full length record after having a popular EP, the origins of the band, cupcakes, and the ultimate goal of trying to make Vinnie Fiorello shit himself.

Iron Chic

Following the release of their debut full-length last year, Not Like This, it seems that Long Island super group Iron Chic have really made a name for themselves - you all know them. So, while making waves in the UK for the first time, Punknews interviewer Faye Turnbull caught up with Jason Lubrano [vocals] and Phil Douglas [guitar] where they discussed the band's turbulent past, why they don't consider themselves "entertainers" and the reason behind their drinking habits on stage.

Johnathan Coody (Ninja Gun)

Since their debut album in 2004, Ninja Gun has logged thousands of miles in their old church van, and restlessly dedicated themselves to honing the craft of hook-driven pop bliss. Whether it's in the form of punk-tinged power pop, or rootsy twang porch hollers, Ninja Gun's constant quest of melodic perfection has arguably reached its peak on their newest EP, Roman Nose. Punknews interviewer Michael Dauphin recently chatted with front man Johnathan Coody to discuss all things Ninja Gun.