Band: Saint Hooligan
Music Style: Punk
Home Town: Burlington/Greensboro NC
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Q: Where and when did Saint Hooligan get its start?  Have any of the band been in other bands?

Marc: Started in the summer of 2009 after the breakup of Travis and my’s first band together, Chucksilver. We’ve all been in bands before.

Travis: For me it was the day we wrote ‘Circles.’ It was the first punk sounding song we had. Right after that point Chucksliver dissolved and Wham-Bam, Saint Hooligan erupted. I have been in numerous bands over the years. From cover bands to punk/ska to indie rock.

Andrew: I don’t know. And no I haven’t

Q: How about the Greensboro/Burlington scene.  Good, bad, big, small, good venues?  Do you feel your beliefs affect your acceptance in the scene?

Marc: There’s some good venues that are great for punk music. Not very big, but big enough for a circle pit. Hasn’t affected our acceptance yet.

Travis: Burlington sucks for music, unless you’re into to jam band cover song crap. Greensboro on the other hand has great venues and accepts the punkers. Our beliefs haven’t affected us I think because we don’t shove it down people’s throats…we love them for who they are and where they are at in their lives.

Andrew: Ehhhh it’s okay. Could be a lot better

Q: I see in the liner notes that at least two of you qualify as “Punk Rock Dads”, how does that workout?  Any challenges?  Any weirdness with schools/their friend’s parents?

Travis: Well…I have a 8 year old daughter and twin boys that are 6. It works out pretty well. They love music and punk music the most. Some challenges are them knowing most of the words to Rancid’s, “And Out Come The Wolves” album. I’ve had to go into some of the songs and remove the explicatives or mute the parts when we’re in the truck. I’m kinda like the FCC. The oldest of the twin boys has rocked out a full mohawk for about 2 years now and my daughter has a leather jacket with studs, Roger Merit and Rancid patches on it. I do get some looks from the school parents when I show up in a “Swingin’ Utters” t-shirt! I’ve got a lot of weirdness going on and I love to push the salmon-nella envelope.

Marc: I have a 13 month old, so no school wierdness yet. It can be tough getting up early the next day after a gig to wake up to take care of her.

Andrew: C&B

Q: What does everyone do when not being in the band?

Marc: Work and enjoy the family.

Travis: I sell landscaping, collect vinyl records, design flyers for shows, modifying effects pedals and cooking. I also enjoy long walks on the beach and world peace (haha).

Andrew: Constantly trying to get better at the drums

Q: What are the origins of the name?  How about the skull logo, which, incidentally is really cool?

Marc: The origin is from the recesses of my cranial cavity. Just came to me seemingly out of thin air. Liked the oxymoronicness of the name. And Travis came up with the logo.

Travis: I love skulls! I have numerous ones all around the house. A skull to me is intriguing because it is the holding cell for the mushy matter that runs all parts of the body. All emotions and decisions go on inside there. I hope one day to own a real skull. I love telling people the name of our band. It always get a wonky look on people’s faces.

Andrew: I have no idea

Travis: Sorry about Andrew, all he wants to do is bang on the drums all day!

Q: Tell me about the music influences of the band members.  Do you have one cd/album that you consider as most influential or one that really opened your eyes to something new? (For me, I can still remember when I first heard the opening part of Slip It In by Black Flag, totally blew me away).

Marc: My influences are: Creedence Clearwater Revival, AC/DC, Dropkick Murphys, Rancid, early Led Zeppelin. The opening riff for Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Up Around The Bend” gets me every time. I love raw, wide open, raunchy-riffed rock n roll without a bunch of fluff.

Travis: Operation Ivy, Rancid, Have Nots, Minor Threat, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Wes Montgomery, Joe Strummer, Jack White and The Kinks. I am a punk and blues sponge. My Dad listened to a lot of ‘Oldies’ when I was growing up. I still remember the first time hearing “You Really Got Me” by the Kinks. It blew my mind the sound those kats had. I still to this day love the guitar solo on that song, dirty and simple. The most influential album would be “And Out Come The Wolves” by Rancid. (For the all the real punkers, check out Plastic Bertrand’s – “Ca Plane Pour Moi”, it’s punk at a different light)

Andrew: My favorite bands are Angels and Airwaves, and Blink-182. CD wise it would be I-Empire by Angels

Q: Describe the song writing process for Maniac Punk.  Was it music first, lyrics first, who did what, how did the songs come together?  Any good stories behind some of the songs?

Marc: Both. Some were music first, others lyrics first. Travis and I flow very easily together creative wise. Either Travis would get a riff in his head, we’d flesh it out, and I would write the lyrics. Or I would have lyrics written, come to Travis with a sense of the direction musically that I feel the song should go. Or he’d have a riff, and lyrics I wrote three weeks earlier fit the feel of the riff. We write very quickly. Usually one, sometimes two, practices to write a new song. When the juices are flowing, we ride the creativity till it dries up. Maniac Punk (the song) is based off of Travis’s own maniac punk experience.

Travis: Story behind the song “Maniac Punk” – I was at a Have Nots/Flatfoot 56/Street Dogs show in Charlotte. I have always been one in the circle pit first so I was that night. Long story short, I came out of the pit with scuffed up checkerboard shoes and a bleeding busted lip!

Andrew: Most of the songs were already written when I got here, so~

Q: What would be your favorite song on Maniac Punk (and why, of course…).  How about the rest of the guys?  What song is your favorite to play live and which one do the crowds seem to connect with best?

Marc: “Spoil the Cynics” is my favorite off the cd. Just dig that opening riff. Live? Either Battle Hymn or Maniac Punk. Love cranking up the speed on the chorus of Battle Hymn and enjoy the craziness of Maniac Punk. The crowd gets into that one.

Travis: “Deserts and Wastelands” is a special song to me from the album because I think it describes the brotherhood, love and crap Marc and I have been through together pushing Saint Hooligan forward. For Live – the pit usually gets going on “Maniac Punk.”

Andrew: “Battle Hymn” because the whole dynamic going from the verse to the chorus is just awesome

Q: Why did you decide to submit Spoil the Cynics to the Punk Never Dies comp.?  Have you seen any interest from that?

Marc: It was the first one done for our album, but also it’s got our signature sound. It’s kinda our standard by which we measure our other songs we write.

Travis: Definitely have gotten some interest. I’m not to sure if Brandon from Indie Vision was to keen on us at first. A lot of our lyrics don’t scream Jesus but are positive and about life. Brandon is a really cool guy and is doing great things with Indie Vision. I’m not drinkin ‘hateraid’ but I have a different idea of punk music. I would have to say we are one of the few really punk bands on that comp. But like Tim from Rancid says, ”who am I to say who’s punk?’

Andrew: Yeah…we’ve gotten a record deal out of it

Q: Have you toured before and if so how does that balance with families?  Any touring plans coming up?  Want to go to any festivals? (Love to see you at Cornerstone!).

Andrew: No because 2/3rds of the band are too weeny to do it. No big deal though.

Marc: Have not toured yet. Would love to do some mini-touring on weekends, so in the process of getting shows set up.

Travis: I’m sure it would pull a little on my lovely wife and kids but they are behind me in my musical journeys. I’d love to do a Cornerstone Fest but I’m not sure if they are privy to the straight forward raw punk style. I guess if I was 18, grew my hair out in front of my face and we could write some Emo songs we might get an invite?

Saint Hooligan – “Spoil The Cynics”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Q: If you could assemble a tour package, who would be on it with Saint Hooligan?  Any bands you play with often right now?

Marc: Would love to play with Flatfoot 56, Dropkick Murphys, and The Rabble. The Nondenoms (local punk band) we have played with twice.

Travis: I love to be on tour with Rancid, Have Nots, The Nondenoms. That would cover veterans and newbies to the punk world. Hey bands, you can learn a lot from the dudes that have gone before us!

Andrew: The Nondenoms for sure

Q: Guest vocals seem to be a pretty big trend right now, who would you want to be guest on your next cd?  Whose cd would you want to be on?

Marc: I would want Matt Freeman from Rancid or Ken Casey from Dropkick to sing with me. It’d be cool to sing on Dropkick’s cd.

Travis: I would have to say Tim Armstrong (Rancid) and Matt Pruitt (Have Nots).  I would love to be on a CD with the Have Nots or The Hoax. A deep dark secret of mine is to sing a duet with Joan Jett

Andrew: C&B

Q: What do you see as the purpose for the band?

Marc: To go to the dark places and change the atmosphere by who we are and Who we carry in us. We are the same on and off the stage. We were called to the sick, not the well. We also want to build relationships with other bands and sow into them.

Travis: Yes, other bands are very important to me and the friendships with them.  I think as a band we have been sent in to destroy religious bullcrap that oozes from the pulpit and media. I’m not hopping on a soapbox here but you can check out Mark 7. I’ll have some bread.

Andrew: To reach as many people as possible.

Q: Where in the Bible do you draw inspiration from as a band?  Any favorite verses/stories that really hit home?

Marc: I draw inspiration from the honest rawness of David in the Psalms. Matthew 9:11, 12 is a verse we have discussed extensively as a band. Any of the stories of Jesus or the apostles reaching out to the dirty of the world hit home.

Travis: This may be a shock and my answer may get pulled on this but I don’t draw inspiration from the Bible per se. Now before all you Tim Tebow fans start chunking rocks at me listen first. To me it’s a daily relationship with my Papa that I draw inspiration from. God’s happy and He’s in a good mood! The constant conversation I have with Him drives me personally and musically. But if you have to have a scripture to make it official it would be Hebrews 12:29. (And yes, I do read my Bible)

Andrew: Romans 12:2

Q: Any bands that you’re currently listening to that we should know about?

Marc: The Rabble and the Street Dogs.

Travis: Have Nots, The Hoax, Big City Bombers and The JB Conspiracy (if you like ska)

Andrew: Nondenoms

Q: Tell us about the acoustic shows at coffee houses.  How are you received there?  Do you do those with mohawks up/same attire as playing a punk show?

Marc: We have been well-received at the coffee houses we played at. People like the acoustic versions. We go in whatever we feel like wearing that day.

Q: Tell us some crazy story about the band or a something that happened at a show?

Marc: Two years ago, since we were drummer-less at the time, Travis and I spent three months playing to a drum machine in his basement. I also hadn’t learned bass yet, so it was just Travis with his guitar, my singing, and the incessant drumloop. If you can live through that, your band can survive anything.

Andrew: Travis rubbed my leg

Travis: One of my favorite’s is being on the 11:00pm spot but not playing until 1:30am. People are torn up drunk by then so it makes for a very fun time. And about the leg thing…it was an accident!

So, some people may stumble upon a clip of us in the studio with a pentagram on the drums and I figure I better explain that before anyone jumps to conclusions.  We recorded this album at Jerk Music Productions in Burlington NC that my friend Cody owns. At the time our drummer didn’t really have a great set of drums that he wanted to record with so (site unseen) we used a studio set Jerk had. It just so happened to have a pentagram on the front of the head. I first did a double take when I saw it and my ‘Christian-ese’ slipped up on me. I thought, God, how is Andrew gonna play on these? Then I was prompted inside myself that this was nothing more than a symbol, just like a ‘fish’ on the back of a car, and it wasn’t any stronghold or demonized drum set. Andrew recorded and the cd was released and has been a success for us. The video was filmed just for studio footage to use later but Cody made it into a video and put it up on his YouTube site. There will be an official Spoil The Cynics video up on our site in a couple of months.

Q: What is one of your favorite cd’s that you’re embarrassed to admit you own (any/all band members)?

Marc: I have Monster Ballads. It’s a collection of  ’80s big-hair, arena-rock love songs.

Travis: Lionel Richie’s Greatest Hits…I love me some Lionel!!

Andrew: I am very proud of all the music that I own

Q: Any shout-outs you’d like to make?

Marc: Thank God for Pop-Tarts. Without them I wouldn’t have survived college.

Travis: SKA music – it still lives! My wifey and kids, sushi and PB&J. Dave from TPR..thanks for taking this behemoth on! Blahhhhh!

Andrew: Mom and Dad! And my C&B

UPDATE:  So in the process of us interviewing Saint Hooligan – unknown to us, they were signed by Thumper Punk Records.  The following questions are in regards to their signing with Thumper Punk Records.

Q: So, about the signing to Thumper Punk, how did this all come about, especially since Saint Hooligan is so geographically distant from the rest of the Thumper Punk family?  Any plans to get out to the West Coast and have label mates journey to the East?

Travis: Well I’d have to say it all comes down to us being featured on the “Punk Never Dies” comp. That’s the first place I think Dave ever heard us. He just sent a simple email saying “ Love your sound, keep it up.” From there I shot Dave (I shot Dave??) an email to see if there was any interest in us. Something happened and it never got to him or something. Couple months later, I found The Hoax online and was listening to them and saw they were signed to TPR. I sent another email to Dave and the rest is history. No plans yet…but it will happen.

Q: How does it feel to be described as a “behemoth” in the press release?  Any story behind that or is just good press?

Travis: The “behemoth.” Hahahaha! I love us being referred to as a behemoth. I believe that comes from the sound that is projected from a 3 piece punk band. The way we write, play and record is simple but produces a big sound. But I will say that we have good press too! (wink,wink)

Q: I’ve seen on your Fb page talk of more tunes, any recording plans coming up?  How about the sound, still straight-ahead punk or are you cashing in and aiming for clean vocals and multiple breakdowns? (ha).

Travis: Yes we have plans of getting in the studio soon. You know how pushy TPD (Thumper Punk Dave) is so he’s making us record more. I’m just kidding, he’s not like that at all. We have written more songs since our album release and we are ready to record so look out for a ‘re-release’ of the album with more songs. As for the sound it will still be Behemoth Hooligan punk sound with Marc’s clean-ish vocals and my gruffy ones. No multiple breakdowns because we’re not really good at “picking up change” or “windmills” and it’s hard to run in a circle pit with those but the new tunes will be a little more aggressive!

Q: Any thoughts about becoming a 4-piece?  Do you feel limited at all by being a 3-piece outfit?

Travis: Marc and I have kicked around the idea before but we seem to fit as a 3 piece. Plus it’s a lot easier to agree on and record with 3 folks than 4. Some of the limitations might be for Marc as he loves to be on the mic and be able to move around. But he’s a beast on the bass and does very well with our sound. It sometimes hinders me in writing solos because of one guitar but we not a hair band with 7 minutes solos so I’ll stick to my simple 4 bars.

Band: ABSOLVED
Music Style: Good Ole’ Punk Rock
Home Town: The 805 Baby!
FACEBOOK REVERBNATION

Jimmy Sisco – lead vocals, guitars
Byron Brumit – bass

Q: Looks like there is quite a history with Absolved, two of the members go back quite a ways and quite a few bands,  give us a quick overview of how the band got started, when did you officially decide that Absolved was for real?

JIMMY: In 1999 or 2000, I was in a college class called “History of Christianity” in which Byron, our bassist, was also a student. For odd reasons I was wearing a straightedge t-shirt and Byron came up to me out of the blue and introduced himself and said that he worshipped Ian MacKaye. But I mean, who doesn’t? I had seen Byron around campus before but being the anti-social recluse that I have always been I never instigated any conversations even though he was clearly someone I could get along with amongst the multitude of assembly-line looking clowns that attended the college. Byron and I then started a band called “O.I.N.K”, a name which is totally Byron’s fault and stood for something my old brain cannot recall. We wrote some songs and practiced though we never had a drummer. Byron graduated leaving me all sad and alone but eventually around 2002 we tried the band thing again, this time coming up with the name Working Class. More songs were written (some of which we still use in Absolved today) but we still had no drummer. In hindsight, maybe we just should have done the Godflesh thing and used a drum machine to play live. Byron moved out of state and that was that. Then in 2007 he moved back and he and I decided to try one more time, but this time he enlisted a drummer whom he had played in a band with previously. So from 2007 till 2010 it was me, Byron, and Aaron. I think we always kinda felt this band was legit and that it was only a matter of time till we got some attention from others besides our own families who are kinda obligated to lie and tell us we are good. Last year we added a 2nd guitarist, Bob, who had also played in that previous band with Aaron and Byron. So basically I am the only member to proudly say that he has never ever played in any ska band. Thanks be to God.

BYRON: I saw this guy at Bible College with tats and a Straight Edge shirt.  We spoke and talked about the bands we liked.  Soon we were attempting to put something together.  The very first name of the band….OINK.  Problem was we could never seem to get the timing right, both in life and as well with actually having a drummer.  Fast fwd several years.  I had been living in Washington State and my Dad “Dirty” Jack became ill.  So I moved back to California to be closer to him.  This is when we decided it was time.  I approached Aaron Kelly who I had played with before and well here we are.

Q: What is the significance of the name Absolved?

JIMMY: When Working Class originally didn’t work out, I took 4 of the songs I had written for it and was going to put out an EP on my own and came up with the name Absolved as the moniker. When Byron and I decided to give this another whirl we realized that a few other bands had “working class” in their band name so we decided to go with “Absolved”. Being human, we all falter. The Old Testament is chock full of laws. According to the Talmud there are 613 laws to be exact. It’s impossible for anyone to truly follow so many, and hence people were reminded just how much we were incapable of keeping the divine standards. But thanks to what Christ did for us, we can be absolved of all wrong-doing through our faith in Him and our willingness to change and to be changed. The band name itself mirrors that sentiment, a sentiment that all of the members of the band hold fast to in our own ways.

BYRON: To me the significance is being free of the guilt that we carry as humans.  The hardest thing in life to do is to forgive yourself of your faults and let go. It’s hard to wrap your mind around the idea that a sacrifice was made so many years ago to restore our relationship with God.  Being absolved allows us to be free of the guilt and torment that would anchor us to our past.

Q: What does everyone in the band do when they are not playing?

JIMMY: I’m a school teacher, Byron is a bookkeeper I think, Aaron is an electrician, and Bob works at the airport.

BYRON: I work at a lumber company in Chino.  This takes up a decent part of my day.  When I get home I take Abby out for a walk (bulldog), and then it’s off to Azeroth, or working on something for the band.

Q: What bands have influenced the sound of Absolved (I hear a lot of punk influence, good punk!)?

JIMMY: The funny thing is that I am the band’s principal songwriter and I don’t even listen to that much punk! I grew up in the Bay Area and at a time when the thrash metal movement was blooming and so by nature I am a headbanger. If you listen to our songs, there is always a tinge of metal in there because of that. But at the same time, I was a huge fan of Suicidal Tendencies, Agnostic Front, Agent Orange, DRI, SOD, and other bands that incorporated punk AND metal, so in a way, it was the best of both worlds and in this band I try to do that with our songs as well. The other guys in the band are more punk than me, and so their playing styles and what not make the songs sound like what they have become. We have found a happy medium I guess. Vocally, I used to and still do listen to a lot of the youth crew and straightedge hardcore bands like Floorpunch, Youth of Today, Minor Threat, Better Than A Thousand, In My Eyes, Chain of Strength, and even modern representations like Bane and Have Heart, and I think my vocals have been influenced by all of that which of course lends itself to our old school sound.

BYRON: I grew up on Minor Threat, SOA, Black Flag, Dead Kennedy’s, Rancid, and Descendants….then moved to Officer Negative, Headnoise, and The Deal.  Basically if the bassline is fun I enjoy the band.

Q: You guys are pretty brazen about your faith, real in your face, how does that translate in the punk scene in California?

JIMMY: To be completely honest, I don’t think we really are that “in your face”. We really only have two, maybe three songs that are very explicit about our religious beliefs. But there isn’t a question of who we are and what we stand for, even if it’s not so explicitly stated lyrically. The punk scene is a funny thing: some of the new school kids are a bit more militant while the older guys who have been around for some time understand that there is more to life than “the scene”, and because of that they tend to listen to the music for music’s sake, not for the lyrics. However, no one wants something force fed to them, and if they do they are a sadist. Respect is a two-way street and we have never had any problems with anyone because we give the other bands and the show patrons the respect that they deserve and in turn we expect it back. Christian band or not, it’s just the right thing to do.

BYRON: I remember going into the Christian bookstore and seeing the crazy poster “If you like Metallica you will love Newsboys”. OK it wasn’t that bad but I felt as if there wasn’t the genre of music available to me that I enjoyed.  If I was not in ABSOLVED I would still listen to them no matter which side of the fence I was on.

Q: You guys are obviously a Christian band, where does the band draw most of its influences from in the bible?

JIMMY: My undergraduate major was in the Biblical Languages of Greek and Hebrew, and I have always had a deeper love and fascination with Old Testament studies. Our song “This One’s For The Survivors” even has some Hebrew lyrics in it. Not that the New Testament doesn’t, but the OT has a myriad of stories that are real, honest to goodness stories about heartache, pain, loss, and victory…the kind of stories that we all can relate to on an hourly basis. It shows mankind in its most susceptible state and how much it longed for the Messiah. Whenever I sit down to write one of our song’s lyrics, those types of things are on my mind. Let it also be known that the Song of Songs is one of my favorite books of the Bible. It’s no allegory, people! Three cheers for marriage!

BYRON: I am a Romans fan.  Ever since Mark Duzik’s class at Life Bible College I have been sold on Romans. I also enjoy Psalms, I mean honestly who hasn’t had issues in life and blamed God? I have been so mad at God in the past and then you realize wow, God is good and this is that little extra push we need to take it up to 11 and move forward with our lives.

Q: Did some of you guys serve in the Armed Forces?  Just curious, was listening to your new song Relentless Leathernecks.

JIMMY: I am the resident Veteran of the band. I put in six years in the United States Marine Corps serving as a Field Radio Operator in both artillery and infantry units. Some of the best years of my life. That song is about a famous World War I battle between the Marines and Germans in Belleau Wood, France where the Marines were vastly outnumbered and out gunned, but as we Marines do, we found a way to not only survive, but win. We have another song about the Marine Corps called “The Few And The Proud” which is on our now out of print and hopefully soon-to-be re-released self-titled debut album, also affectionately known as “the red album”.

Q: I am told that you guys have a quite a sense of humor, care to share any fun show hijinks with the general public?

BYRON: I will mostly let Jimmy take this.  Let me say that we all have great sense of humors. Bob and I go way back and seem to feed off each other. We do like to tease each other and I can only imagine that’s what it’s like with siblings who like each other.  Take it away Jimmy “the Tooth”…

JIMMY: I guess any band that writes songs about getting your annual physical and getting vasectomies shouldn’t be taken too seriously. We have an unreleased song too where there are no lyrics, just burps. I don’t know, I think too many bands take themselves too seriously. Must every band scowl at the camera for their official band pics? Scowl at the audience?  Scowl at one another? At themselves? Please. The tough guy posturing is always so laughable. Having been in the military and having a dad that runs with the 1%-ers, I know what tough is, and I see no need to bring that into our music or performances. As for hijinks, I believe that our other guitarist Bob has much incriminating evidence in his camera phone. He always has that dang thing on during band practices and what not. I can’t divulge most of our nonsense because I’ll have to 86 you if I do. There’s also some unfounded rumor that one of us dresses like a giant toothpaste tube and moshes to bands during their sets when we’re also on the bill. What a show of brazen disrespect! How dare he! As for any other behind the scenes pranks…like Dave Chappelle said, I plead da fif!

Q: You guys just played an awesome show at the Stronghold with some awesome bands (the Rekoning, The Way, and The Hoax) how was that show?

JIMMY: The show was a ton o’ fun. We finally got to meet some of our label mates and also our label Prez David Aaron for the first time, whom I’m going to call El Señor from now on. El Señor has put together a roster of bands that not only have the music in common, but also mesh so well personality-wise. So yah, ‘twas a fun evening. We’ve played with The Way several times and it’s always fun sharing the stage with them. And they always go on after us which is pretty cool cuz I spit on stage a lot so that means they get to step in it.

BYRON: It was one of my favorite shows.  I live in Santa Ana and commute to Ventura for band practice and gigs.  So to see my crew show up and heckle me and Jimmy (“Put the bag back on!”-Marcu). I mean, that simply made my night. All of the bands that played that night had good sets and had a blast. It felt like a time of worship, we laughed, and enjoyed the time we had together.

Q: So Absolved recently signed to Thumper Punk Records, congrats, what does this mean for the band?

JIMMY: Thanks, man. This means gold albums on the walls, having our CD on Target shelves, and artist riders that consist of a bowl of M&M’s sans the red ones. Other than that, I don’t really know. But with El Señor behind us we will be able to do some things we have yet been unable to do on our own, like, for instance, actually getting shows. It also means interviews like this and a chance to represent old school punk rock to people outside of our own families and our minuscule circle of friends.

BYRON: I hope it means I get a helicopter and my own dressing room and I can be snooty to people.  In all seriousness it means the world to me personally that someone would come behind what we have working on for the last five or so years.  As a band it means that we have confirmation that what we are doing is needed and that we can focus on writing music and obtain assistance for some of the other day to day items.

Q: Will you be releasing a new album on TPR?

JIMMY: We have plans on eventually re-releasing our out of print self-titled debut from 2010 on TPR early next year perhaps, and then around March 2012 our new full length will be released, also by TPR, God-willing.

BYRON: I told David that Bob and I need remote control helicopters.  Until then….we will just have to see.

Q: Tell us about the EP “This One Goes To Seven”  you guys have a pretty interesting thing you do with the album covers, can’t say that I have seen many bands do that in the past….

JIMMY: Yah, our new EP “This One Goes To Seven” is out now on TPR. First off, just the fact we have a Spinal Tap reference as our title means that everyone needs to purchase one of these pronto. The first run of 100 features hand-drawn covers that are drawn and colored by the band members themselves, and no two are alike. That was fun, but talk about tedium! I am constantly trying to think of things that haven’t been done before (or at least, not on a large popular scale) and this was one of those ideas. We have some other witty ideas but I won’t divulge those so that we can use em for future projects and so that bands like The Way won’t steal our insanely rad ideas.

BYRON: I can honestly say I don’t know where this idea came from.  However, I like the idea behind it.  We had 100 copies of the E.P. printed.  Divided up 25 covers per band member and then proceeded to draw each cover by hand.  Bob and I still have five blanks we need to finish, well, I have four. David @ TPR has requested a special item and I shall deliver.

Q: What can we expect from Absolved, will you guys be touring or hitting any of the festivals?

JIMMY: We envision more shows in 2012 than all previous years combined, so that’ll be rad. As for touring, that probably won’t happen for some time if at all. Being that three of us are married with children and we all have full times jobs, that makes it difficult to make any type of touring plans. But we’d love to play some West Coast fests for sure. But who knows. If Rancid comes calling, we’re hittin the road.

BYRON: I am not just a pretty boy who plays bass in a punk band. I work at a lumber yard in Chino by day. This keeps me pretty busy. I would love to go out for a bit this summer. I really want to play Cornerstone.  I really just want to meet more people, to hear their stories and build memories.

Q: What bands should we check out, who have you guys been listening too?

JIMMY: Truth be told, I don’t really listen to any modern music in the punk or metal scenes. Way too over-produced and most of it doesn’t even sound like punk or metal to me. But from what I have listened to, our TPR label mates have some pretty cool and original sounds in their music so check them all out. I’ve been listening to the final Strongarm CD “Advent Of A Miracle” a lot lately. That came out over a decade ago and it still holds a passion and intensity that really none of the bands in the Christian scene today can match. The lyrics are beautifully crafted and well-worded and the music is awesome. They didn’t rely on a lot of the power chords and chord structures that so many hardcore and punks bands use, instead employing a lot of almost-solo type playing throughout each song. That band was amazing. On the more modern tip, I was a huge fan of xDISCIPLEx AD. Their most recent incarnation, Jesus Wept, is really very very good too. I think they have two albums out and both are outstanding. I was also a huge fan of the early Facedown Records releases long before the label branched into the Hot Topic trendy metalcore territory. However, as far as heavy Christian music goes, my staunch belief is that Vengeance Rising’s “Human Sacrifice” is easily the best of the best. That came out in 1989 I think. It rivals any mainstream metal album in terms of its power, aggressiveness, skill level, and overall sound. The great, classic Christian band Undercover had an album called “Branded” which is also simply one of the greatest Christian albums of all time of any genre. Haven’t stopped listening to it since it came out in 1986 or so. The honesty and power of it is still unparalleled, except maybe by LSU’s “Shaded Pain”, which is itself a classic album too. “When You’re A Rebel” by the Altar Boys is also a longtime fave of mine and their follow-up to it, “Gut Level Music”, is fantastic. Funny how all those last few albums I mentioned all came out at around the same time…late 80’s-ish. What an era in Christian music! And man, how I’d love to collab with Ojo Taylor, Mike Stand, and/or Micheal Knott one day. Geniuses.

BYRON: I have been stuck on THROUGH IT ALL.  I saw them several years ago at the Showcase. They had a Christ centered message and basically did for me in the Christian realm what Minor Threat did for me growing up.  They gave me something to look forward to.  You have a mic, stage, and a responsibility to share some insight, don’t blow it.for a bit this summer. I really want to play Cornerstone.  I really just want to meet more people, to hear their stories and build memories.

Absolved – “Relentless Leathernecks”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Q: What message do you want to give to the punk scene?

JIMMY: To the nu jacks in the scene, don’t forget where your roots are. If it weren’t for bands like ST or Dead Kennedys or Agnostic Front or Rancid or Iggy & The Stooges…or individuals like Ian MacKaye or Henry Rollins or Jello Biafra or Ray Cappo or Roger Miret, there would be no punk rock or hardcore as we know it today. To the old geezers like us still in the scene, keep reppin. To the whole scene, stay real. Punk has always been a genre that prided itself on confronting the status quo, and somehow the scene got hijacked by corporate entities and became what it is today. Let’s take it back. Death to pop punk (sorry Bob)!

BYRON: Go beyond the image and the outward appearance.  If you don’t like something seek a way to change it.  No need to sit back and critique things if you are not willing to stand up and fight for what you believe.

Q: Feel free to give some shout-outs, drop links, etc, thanks for the interview!

BYRON: Thank you so much for the opportunity to do this interview. I strongly encourage you to check out the bands on Thumper Punk Record. Thanks to Dusty at Caustic Fallout who created an awesome page for us. A very big thanks to David Aaron @ TPR who is one of the nicest guys I have ever met.  Check out Absolved on Facebook.

JIMMY: Yah…peace to El Señor David Aaron, peace to our 805 homies The Way, peace to the other TPR bands, peace to the venues, labels, and promoters that still support and cater to the underground punk scene, peace to our brothers and sisters in uniform who protect our freedom, and peace to everyone that has given Absolved a chance. Now your soul is ours. Flawless victory. You can send hate mail to jrsisco22@hotmail.com and you can harass us at facebook.com/absolvedband, reverbnation.com/absolved, absolved.bandcamp.com, and on thumperpunkrecords.com.

OH, and, you can pick up Grave Robber’s new album “You’re All Gonna Die” at Rottweiler Records for $10.99 (worth every penny)!

Band: Grave Robber
Music Style: Punk
Location: The local crypt
Facebook Reverbnation

Questions for Shawn of Rottweiler Records

Q: Can you give a little time-line about starting up Rottweiler Records? When did the idea first come up, was anyone else involved?

A: Basically, I started the label alone when Grave Robber had left Retroactive and had also ended a business relationship with Hairball 8 Records. I was kinda bummed about our situation on tour with no label and no new product out, so I was just seeking God’s will.  Was it time to call it quits?  Suddenly, I realized that everything I needed to launch a label was right in front of my face!

Q: What about the name?

A: Rottweilers are seen as vicious attack dogs when in reality most of them are sweethearts.  I own a very intimidating Rottweiler named Vader.  He’s a wonderful, loyal, gentle, protective dog who loves my family and will go to any length to be close to us.  He’s already shown he will do whatever he can to protect us, too.  It’s just an amazing illustration of how God operates around a family, too.  I’ve been very conscious about the Rottweiler roster being a family, too.  I sorta feel like I don’t “sign” bands, I adopt them into a family that works together to promote each other and do kingdom business.

Q: What’s the experience of running a label been like so far?

A: It has its struggles, but anything worth doing does.

Q: Have there been any big surprises?

A: Yeah, I was surprised at how the market took a huge dump just as Rottweiler was launching.  I knew it was getting bad, but I didn’t realize how bad! Much harder than I expected.

Q: Has there been anyone who’s been able and willing to give you advice?

A: Jason Dunn from Facedown has just been awesome with some pretty invaluable advice!  So has Matt Hunt from Retroactive and Ryan Davis from Hairball 8.  Regardless of ending business relationships, we are still very good friends.  They’ve all said I could count on them for advice or any help they are able to give.  That’s just how it is when you are all ultimately on the same team!  We are all family!

Q: What would you say is the biggest challenge you’ve experienced so far with the label?

A: Money of course!  There’s so much I want to do to get bands bigger exposure, but it requires money. Money comes from fan support.  It’s only been less than a year, so I’m still optimistic.

Q: What direction do you see the label going in the future, what types of bands would be a good fit?

A: I foresee us always being a punk, metal, hardcore, goth, etc label.  Basically bands who don’t fit into what’s popular, yet have a powerful presentation and a desire to minister.  I am only interested in ministry bands who don’t sound “Christian”.

Q: Where do you see the music industry headed?  More digital? Digital only?, Vinyl, cassette?

A: Digital for sure. People like their entire music collection in their pockets.  I love vinyl and would like to see that become more viable, but for now it’s still kitschy and mainly for collectors or people who never grew out of their vinyl collections, like me.  If I were able to, I’d skip CDs and sell vinyl with download cards inside.  I understand how people love their CDs, though.  It’ll be interesting in the next 5-10 years.

Q: How do see being a Christian impacting the business side of things with the label (any specific scripture you’d like to call out?)?

A: It’s everything.  I won’t lie to an artist.  I operate on biblical principals and approach every business decision through a lens of morality, not greed.  Proverbs 11:1 says “The LORD abhors dishonest scales, but accurate weights are his delight.”  I run Rottweiler Records as if Jesus himself were standing next to me, because He is with me!  If I run things accurately and with scruples, The Lord will delight in my efforts as is clear in Proverbs 11:1.  Bottom line I want to hear my Father say “well done”.

Q: Signing Soul Embraced is quite a feat for a label that is just getting started, can you tell us how that came about?  What’s it like to work with those guys who are definitely veterans of the scene?

A: That was crazy!!  I saw Rocky Gray on Facebook and asked him to check out Behold The Kingdom in the hopes he could produce them, tour with them, give an endorsement of them, or whatever.  He came back moments later and said, “You have a label?  Do you want to put out the next Soul Embraced CD?”  I was in shock!  Rocky is the real deal.  Great guy, great heart and makes great metal!  You really can’t get much better.  I can’t wait to get this CD out!

Q: There’s been quite a bit of internet traffic/comments (perhaps even gossip?) about bands using the “Christian” label as simply a marketing ploy to get their foot in the door and then stating publicly in interviews that they never were a “Christian” band or even share the beliefs.  Thoughts on this?

A: To be frank, I think that’s crap.  The good thing is that in most cases when bands announce they never were Christians, that’s the swansong of their careers. No one likes a fake. Fake Christians are just as appalling to Christians as to non-believers.  Most non-believers won’t have anything to do with those bands because they lied to their own people they claimed to be a part of.  It’s a lose/lose situation for them because they are exposed as the charlatans they are.  I do however think there are several ways to minister.  One is being bold, and in your face, the other is to witness through lifestyle and relationships.  I’ve gone back and forth over the years, but I’ve come to realize there’s room for both approaches and I respect both.  As long as Christ followers across the board realize our commission to do ministry, works, and evangelism that is the outcome of our faith, I’m good!

Q: Anything else you’d like to add/mention?

A: Go like the Rottweiler Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rottweilerrecords After you do that, make sure you check out the bands on our roster thus far:  Soul Embraced, Every Knees Shall Bow, FBS, Behold The Kingdom, and Grave Robber.  Oh yeah, also check out the Rottweiler Records online store at www.rottweilerrecords.bigcartel.com

Questions for Wretched of Grave Robber

Q: Going back to the beginning, how did Grave Robber come together?

A: In 2003, three of the original members, myself included, were sitting in church while out pastor talked about Romans 6. Y’know?  Being dead and all.  We of course were completely immature and giggling about us being zombies because we are to consider ourselves dead.  Immediately afterwards, we took communion, so here we are alive, yet dead and symbolically eating flesh and drinking blood. On top of that, we were all fans of The Misfits and we all wished there was a Christian band that sounded like them.  After 2 years of prayer, voila, 2005 and our first rehearsal.  The original lineup was Wretched, Carcass, De Muerte, Maggot and Nameless and the first song done was I, Zombie.

Q: Describe the songwriting process for GR.  Do you start with a title, topic, riff, chorus, other?  Does it involve going through catalogs of old horror flicks (kidding)?

A: All of the above.  Seriously.  Usually, it starts with a topic, but sometimes inspiration comes when ya least expect it. It’s funny how movie titles seem to lend themselves to spiritual subjects.

Q: “You’re All Gonna Die” comes out soon (available now on iTunes and CDbaby) and is the first CD with the addition of Grim on guitar.  How has that changed the dynamic in GR both live and in the studio?

A: Well, obviously, we sound thicker and bigger.  It’s nice because we can pull off some guitar parts live that we couldn’t before.  Plus it’s more energy live.  Grim is just someone we all felt we didn’t want to NOT have in the band.

Q: What’s it like being on Rottweiler Records?  I hear the guy that runs the label is a genius but can be a bit of pain to work with (or is that unfounded rumor?)

A: He’s the worst.  He’s a perfectionist and very demanding.  It’s kinda weird because he’s only demanding of me.  Out of everyone on the label, he treats me the worst.  What a jerk.

Q: The last couple of years at the Cornerstone Festival, there’s been a showcase-type GR show that has gotten more elaborate each year.  Do you see this trend continuing?  Will it

Our good friend Micah from The Legacy Stage

eventually involve platform boots and fire breathing or maybe a guillotine?

A: Without a doubt!  we are always trying to outdo ourselves. . .  and Flatfoot 56!

Q: Speaking of Cornerstone, I’ve heard various reports about a big, bald-headed tattoo’d guy with an OT name that harasses you at Cstone?  Any truth to those reports?  Anythingyou’d like to say about this?

A: If you are talking about Micah, yeah he’s a pain in our decaying rumps.

Q: When thinking about how GR is received by audiences, do you see a marked difference between the reception in Christian venues versus secular ones?

A: Yes, Christian ones are more critical!!  haha!!  No, just kidding.  Actually, we seriously don’t focus on that, we just do our thing and let the audience digest it all.  Christian audiences usually have more of a preconceived idea about what Grave Robber does, but we have never once had a situation where we weren’t able to win over an audience.  No matter how big or small.  We just know we have the power of The Reanimator with us and in us, so that’s what we focus on!

Q: What has been the wildest thing you’ve seen/been part of at a GR show?

A: We play lots of secular clubs and bars. . .  I don’t think it’d be appropriate to talk about the wildest thing that’s ever happened!!  Crazy stuff always happens at Grave Robber shows.  Stuff like equipment malfunctions, p.a. going down, people showing up in corpse paint, youth pastors showing up to talk to us about not leading kids astray, satanists being afraid to talk to us, bar owners showing porn on their tvs during our sets, burlesque shows being scheduled right before we go on, drugs and alcohol being present and available.  I mean, you name it, we’ve dealt with it head on.  You know what though, there’s nothing new here.  Nothing we’ve never faced.  Nothing new under the sun.  We aren’t surprised when the world acts like the world.  Again, we know who we are in Christ and we face it head on with the authority He gives us!!

Q: If you were setting up your ideal tour, what bands would you hit the road with and where would you like to play?

A: Rottweiler Records family bands for sure.  If you are talking my ideal dream tour, it would be Alice Cooper headlining, then Megadeth, then W.A.S.P., then Grave Robber opening the show.  All Christian artists!! And, speaking of tours, we are going out with Behold The Kingdom right after Thanksgiving!

Intro from Midnight Show at Cornerstone 2011 and “Fear No Evil”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Q: GR blends well with both punk and metal audiences, do you see any difference in how GR is received, both musically and with the message?

A: Not so much genre-wise.  Punk purists are always gonna whine just as much as metal purists.  We glean from both, so people either like what we do or they don’t.  To some metal guys we aren’t heavy enough, for some punk guys we are too metal.  By and large the overwhelming majority seems to like the combination.

Q: Getting to the message, what is your favorite scripture reference?  Favorite OT character?

A: Romans 7:24 for obvious reasons.  (Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? ESV) My favorite OT character would be The Spirit Of The Lord.  Does that count?

Q: What do you see as the overriding message or mission of GR?

A: All human beings are all created for the purpose of rising from the dead so that we can die. . .  to ourselves.  We can find real life in The Truth.  Jesus is The Way, The Truth, and The Life.

Q: Anything else you’d like to add/mention?

A: Visit us online at www.facebook.com/graverobberpunk

10.  Because True Liberty has the coolest touring van on the face of the earth (Lady Liberty – even has a PA system to shoo pesky drivers out of the left lane)

9.  This is the only job that Allen Bays can keep (he is the bass player)

8.  Aaron Liberty does not want to go back to prison

7.  Listening to True Liberty and moshing to their music is way better than rubbing green crisco on other men

6.  Because Micah Gideon says so…..

5.  If you don’t support the band, they promise to become a crappy metalcore/screamo band

4.  Because the band needs and excuse to have green and red mohawks

3.  Your money is better spent supporting True Liberty than buying that These Hearts album you so badly want

2.  Because Cornerstone Festival would be boring…..

1.  And if you don’t support True Liberty, you don’t like America and the terrorists win….

So, I emplore you brothers and sisters, give a few bucks so that we can hear what these guys have in store for us!

Band: Unshackled
Music Style: Punk/Street Punk/Oi!
Home Town: El Paso, Texas
Facebook Myspace Bandcamp

Q: I was reading that Unshackled formed in 2006; how come in 2011 we are just now hearing of Unshackled?  Give us some detail about how the band formed.

JEROME: Short answer just had not committed early on during the bands formation, I personally always wanted to move it forward but I never really had any idea how to go about it. Well everyone is probably hearing about us now because a lot of what Dusty and David have been helping us with and also a more focused core of Unshackled moving forward. The band formed after Victor’s and my first band broke up, around the same time Eddie’s band was breaking up as well, I asked Eddie if he wanted to play with us and he was all about it. We wanted to add another guitar which was Tick who was playing in a really good ska band called the Intellijents and the rest as they shall say is history.

TICK: We’ve mostly concentrated spiritual warfare here in the city of El Paso. We’ve been blessed with a great following of kids from the scenes here and they all deserve alot of love. The only reason I can think of as to why 2011 is the year the ministry has expanded beyond the borders of the Bordertown is because God is blessing the march forward.

Q: What is the significance of the name Unshackled?

JEROME: Well our drummer was listening to a Christian AM station and the radio program was called “Unshackled,” and at the time we were working on a name and that one seemed to fit.  It really means a lot to me because of everything I have been through, along with some of the guys in the band our personal testimonies, victories, and what we have been delivered from. I also see it as a banner of hope that we can become liberated from the oppressor.

TICK: It’s who we are, truly. Spiritual beings having a worldly experience & not worldly beings having a spiritual one. Unbound by the enemy’s hold on this world, free. if I may say so myself, it is rather short, sweet and to the point, I enjoy simplicity.

Q: The band is definitely Christian, I can tell by the awesome lyrics and song titles, do you guys consider yourselves a Christian band or Christians in a band? What is the purpose of Unshackled?

JEROME: When I first heard that term many years ago with a band called Lugnut I really disliked the fact that it was not a Christian band but Christians in a band, and after a several years of maturing in my faith I look at it this way and I told the guys the other day, “If a Christian makes a sandwich it does not make it a Christian sandwich, it’s still a sandwich.” We All laughed after I said it. The purpose of this band since day 1 has been to preach the good news of God’s awesome saving Grace, and loving people as they are. More importantly what He does in our lives daily, share our faith, and speak about our cultures and what it means to hardcore, punk, skin etc.

Q: When I listen to the album that Dave at Thumper Punk Records gave me I can hear so much influence of early punk and Oi! I even hear a lot of modern type punk in your stuff, what bands do you compare your sound to and what bands have influenced you guys?

TICK: To be honest, and we’ve done this, we’ve talked about it, we really can’t compare our sound, it’s different when it’s yourself on the CD y’know? We had to ask other people but the consensus resulted in answers that typically looked like this: “it depends on who’s song it is” we all have our own styles that we implement in songs we write individually, then we bring it to the table and work on them together. They usually evolve into something better than our own puny individual ideas. Well, ‘better’ by our standards heh. But to answer the question the best way I can, we get alot of Minor Threat, The Havoc, and Officer Negative. Like I said, we all have a different base of influence, Connor has a lot of indie/punk 3rd-wave Ska roots, Joe is the biggest Hardcore fanboy I know, Eddie is our friendly neighborhood Brutal Metal Monster, I’m the old school snob, too cool for new school… it just goes any which way sometimes. some of my personal influences include Toydolls, Cocksparrer, The Havoc, The Adicts, & The Angelic Upstarts, I pull a lot of musical ammunition from them, I even throw props their way in some songs we write, I’m just hoping for the day that someone will catch on and call me on it

Q: Unshackled had an EP that was released a while back called “Overcome” and I know that you recently signed to our pals at Thumper Punk Records & Caustic Fallout, when can we expect a full length?

JEROME: Really soon, August 3rd, 2011 BABY! OH YEAH! CD release party is on August 6th with FBS!

Q: So I know that there are certain spots in Texas that have pretty decent hardcore and punk scenes, although I am not sure about El Paso, how are things down there?  What is the scene like?

JEROME: The scene is amazing here for a smaller scene compared to others across Texas it’s amazing, we get a lot of compliments that El Paso is really friendly. The different scenes in el Paso know it’s not huge so you get a lot of Punk kids going to the hxc shows and Hxc kids going to punk shows so we all work together and support all the bands and help out as much as we can, now of course you have those guys that think that they are better than everyone, they hardly come around which is ok by me. I’d rather see two kids moshing their heart’s out than have 100 egotists standing doing nothing haha.

TICK: Come down n’ visit sometime! this really isn’t the best city for musicians, if you’re in a band and you’re local, you will usually play for free so if you wanna be a rockstar outta here…heheh… good luck. This sure isn’t Denton. But oh my gosh, these kids are so supportive of their scene despite the shakey local music industry. The scene here is friendly, a bit small, we all mostly know each other, if not personally then by association but we’ve all run into each other at least a couple times. It’s laid back and doesn’t take itself too seriously, which is a bit of a refreshing turn from the overbearingly politically-driven grievance-fest I’m so used to. Perfect recipe for real fun shows, even when they’re small, scratch that… tiny…

Q: I saw that you guys have shared the stage with some decent bands like FBS and Fight To Die, what other bands have you played with, what shows have been the most memorable and why?

JEROME: Man we have had the pleasure of sharing the stage with many awesome bands, some of my all time favorites as well. Bands like For Today, xLooking Forwardx, OCD, Rotting Out, Lionheart, and Call to Preserve. I have two shows that I want to share the first being this band Useless Kids last show, just so many things went awesome that night spiritually. Seeing kids sing along to “Awesome God” piling on with tears in their eyes singing along to the other songs with kids standing in front singing Overcome…such an awesome moment. The second show was we were playing inside a house we called the gym and we were playing “Overcome” and I had just gave my testimony and I saw this kid kicking back against the wall, and I went and grabbed him and I gave him the mic to sing. As soon as he was about to sing he burst into tears I hugged him and he prayed with me to accept Christ as the band and kids were still singing, such a sick moment for him.

TICK: We’ve also played with The Remnants, The Last Hope, The Krum Bumbs, Flatfoot 56, The Great Commission, The Independents so so so many, I can’t remember them all the time but honestly, every show seems to get better.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Q: Does the band have plans to tour at all? Will we see you guys at Cornerstone next year?

TICK: Goodness, we get asked this so much, we have procrastination problems it would seem. We always try to but circumstances never turn out the right way for one reason or another: Money, work, personal/family needs, but we are planning realistically, for once, for a Cornerstone romp for next year. The only thing that would solidify that for me is if Ballydowse shared the stage w/ us. Hands down, my favourite band… RIP…for now

Q: Tell us some good inside dirt about the band.  I am sure you guys have a funny story to share about a show that went wrong….

JEROME: You know we run a pretty tight ship when it comes to shows and composure and mishaps. I’m really trying to think and the only thing I can think of is when I broke the stage and this venue called No Man’s Land haha. I was jumping getting rowdy, and I slammed my foot down and my ankle went through the stage I quickly recovered and went on with the show. I also Chipped my tooth with the microphone. I had fallen of the stage as the pit was coming my way I tried to jump out of the way as I did that my knee met my elbow because the pit came crashing into me chipping my tooth.  I even held the piece in my hand hahah PUNK ROCK haha!

TICK: Dude, happens to everybody, Poppin’ strings, cables going out, kids slam dancing into our equipment, stolen equipment right out of the back of Eddie’s truck on our way to a show in Anthony during a 10 minute pit stop for drum heads at Guitar Center, speakers blowing up, it just happens, none of us have fallen off the stage yet so at least we have yet to embarrass ourselves that way. *knocks on wood*

Q: So being a band that preaches the gospel, where does everyone get their inspiration from in the bible, what verses do you want to share with anyone reading this?

JEROME: What really got me going again and again is 2 Timothy  6-8;  “For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.  So do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner. Rather, join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God.” I read the word quite often and I fall in love all the time, everything that I read always confirms what I am going through daily it’s awesome.

TICK: God’s not dead, His word is alive, His entire word is an inspiration. There’s a verse in Luke I really like though “ask and it shall be given, seek and ye shall find, knock and it shall be opened unto you” God knows our hearts, our desires, our needs. We seek Him, we find our joy and freedom we asked for; we knock on the doors of truth, the pearly gates open up to us.

Q: Being a Christian punk band in a punk scene that is normally pretty anti-everything must be tough at times, how is Unshackled received in general in the scene?  Anyone ever really given the band a hard time a show?

TICK: We normally have a pretty laid back atmosphere in this scene and are received fairly well, like I said, these kids are great! However, there will always be people who try to make us lose sight of what we are doing and why. We, however, just keep in mind we are not just playing music for the simple fact of playing. We are trying to open people’s hearts to the Father and when doing that you will always face opposition. this is a rebellion, a war we’re conducting in spirit, we’re gonna get a few bloody noses… It just isn’t those peoples’ time yet to receive faith, but we won’t stop trying to reach out, even if it’s just one person at a show. (which it sometimes has been…at many a show) There was one instance where a Skinhead brother of ours, Abel, was attacked by a group of thugs for a reason I’m still not clear on, but this gentleman has been the target of many a cast stone for his rough-and-tumble aggressive faith. Hell, he ushered me in to the kingdom, I trust him with my life. I only wish I were there to share the beating, he didn’t deserve it.

JEROME: By God’s grace we are received really well, people are really receptive we have been blessed to impact a lot youth’s lives and churches that we have the privilege of playing and praying for. Off course we have a lot of ankle biters and vipers, but it’s to be expected. I had one guy make fun of me because I was wearing an “I still believe in God” shirt, but that’s about all I can remember. Everyone is willing to listen because they want to know Jesus, it’s just coming to terms with accepting and letting their guard down and letting Him love them.

Q: Fun time:   What are the most embarrassing albums we would find on your iPods/MP3 players or album collections?

TICK: Tegan & Sarah: “The Con: and Alanis Morissette: “Jagged Little Pill”

JEROME: I don’t know about this one hahah…Um…I would have to say Two Door Cinema Club, The Sounds, Yellowcard. I say these because people don’t see me as the indie or pop music listener.

McDonalds or Burger King which is better for relieving tour gut?

JEROME: Neither, I would say Whataburger which is a Texas national treasure but if i had to pick i would say Burger King.

TICK: Neither, they’ll both give me bubbleguts even more.There’s something unnatural about a single food item from certain places that accounts for the total caloric intake a fully-matured human being should consume per week…

Who would win in a fight, Chuck Norris, a Ninja, or Nancy Pelosi?

JEROME: I would say Nancy Pelosi, she fights dirty hahaha!

TICK: I’m pretty sure everyone else in the band would say this: Chuck Norris. Seriously man, the guy grinds coffee with his teeth and boils the water with his own rage… Our practice shed has a big poster of Chuck Norris facts…

Q: What message do you want to send to the punk scene?

TICK: Acta Non Verba…

JEROME: It has not and will not be about religion, Christ has had a horrible image painted by many people who say that they live for Christ, but don’t base your faith on a human, not even us, because we will all fail from time to time. Really seek out God ask Him to reveal His love for you and get to know your Creator seek out His heart and know that the God of Elijah and Noah and all of our fore fathers is not dead. He is very real and He speaks all the time. If He can love a chump like me, He is capable of loving any one of you awesome people out there, don’t settle for less than what you are worth,

Q: What bands should we check out?  Who are you guys listening to or playing shows with we should know about?

JEROME: Right now I would Say Media Blitz is really awesome band from Cali, DEBTOR (BLOOD AND INK RECORDS) , Kingdom Front is another local band (I drum in Cheap Plug hahah).

TICK: Ballydowse, Justin Hinds & The Dominoes, The Pogues, The Jesus Skins, and The Levellers. Been listening to Symarip and Bomb! the Music Industry a lot lately. I love Symarip, you should too!

Q: Feel free to give some shout-outs, etc, share whatever you want!  Thanks for the interview guys!

TICK: A shout-out to whoever reads this. especially to those who got something out of it. Bless.

JEROME: If anyone wants to get in touch with us hit us up on facebook, twitter, Bandcamp

Facebook.com/UnshackledTX
@Unshackled915
UnshackledTx.Bandcamp.com
xkingdompridex.webs.com

MUCH LOVE TO THUMPER PUNK, CAUSTIC FALLOUT, FBS, THE HOAX, FALSE IDLE, THE WAY, AND ALL THE BANDS THAT CAME BEFORE THANK YOU FOR BEING THE WATCHERS…
BRING THE MOSH.

Thank you Josh!  YOU RULE!

BAND: The Hoax
MUSIC STYLE: PUNK
LOCATION: Anaheim, CA
FACEBOOK MYSPACE

Q: The Hoax has been together for a while now, how and when did the band get it’s start?

A: We got together in early 2005, I don’t remember exactly when I think it was spring time. We were just a couple of bored kids who had just got instruments, except for Daniel he’d been playing drums for a while. and were inspired by Officer Negative and Headnoise.  The hoax was originally a three piece, we added David in January this year.

Q: What is the significance of the name “The Hoax?”

A: We chose “The Hoax” originally just cause it sounded cool. When we started we planned on calling ourselves “50 Caliber” but after talking to friends and other people in bands we decided it didn’t sound like the name for a punk band. After we switched names we kept getting asked what does your name mean and at first we didn’t have an answer. But Daniel wrote Fake Reality, which was originally titled The Hoax Song and it basically says this world is a hoax, don’t trust in things of the world, put your trust in God.

Q: Who all is in the band and what does everyone do when they are not playing?

A: Tyler is our singer and he used to play bass also. He works at Ralph’s grocery store in the seafood department and is going to Cypress college. I am Johnny Hoax I play guitar and do some vocals. I work at Reliable Sheet Metal Works, I’m a fabricator. I’m also studying at Cal Poly Pomona. David Robledo is our new member, he plays bass for us. He used to be in an awesome ska band, Skamikaze! but they are on a break for a while so we stole him. Daniel aka Danimal plays drums. And he is finishing up an Accounting degree at Cal State Fullerton.

Q: Do any of the members in the band have side projects? What bands have members been involved with in the past?

A: David was in Skamikaze! That’s the most notable by far. Daniel and I had a grindcore side project with a friend of ours, Matt Dreer, but he moved back to Maryland so that died. Tyler was in a band called The Clerks, everyone in the band worked at grocery stores at the time but they never played any shows. Right now I am working on two side projects, one is a pop punk band and the other is a hardcore band.

Q: Saw that you guys recently had an 11th hour signing with our pals over at Thumper Punk Records. Can you tell us about the album you just released entitled “Stumbling Through?”

A: Oh the story behind this album, where to start. This album definitely tested us quite a bit. We’ve had this album ready for a while, we finished recording in August. We recorded at Live Wire Studio with Jason and Josiah from Spades and Blades/ The Havoc. The Hoax had originally signed to another label, but due to circumstances with their personnel we weren’t able to release with them. I had been talking with David from Thumper Punk and he offered to pick us up and release the album and we were stoked. We love Thumper Punk Records! TPR is an amazing label.

Q: I took a listen to the “Stumbling Through” and love the album, I really like how you guys are diversifying your sound, there is a little ska, rock-a-billy, and whole lot of punk, where do you guys draw your influences from?

A: We draw from everything we listen to. We like a lot of different music, obviously punk but we also are into hardcore, grind, thrash, ska. The bands we draw from most are probably The Crucified, Oi Polloi, Minor Threat, Toxic Narcotic, and The Deal. There are a lot of others but I would say musically these are the most influential.

Q: The Hoax played a pretty neat show recently including reunions of Officer Negative, The Deal, and also Headnoise, how did you guys manage to get on the bill and how was the show?

A: That show was amazing, we had so much fun being a part of it. We were able to get on the bill through Breakthru Entertainment, we’ve known them for quite a while. That show was unreal, I never thought I’d see the day Officer Negative got back together, let alone be able to play with them. Headnoise, The Deal, and The Havoc we’re awesome too. Headnoise is back! I’m really excited about that, when I heard about the shows I thought they were just doing a couple reunion shows but Robert announced at Chain that they were back for good.

Q: You guys planning to tour the US at all (or do a mini-tour?)

A: We are planning to do a small tour this summer, probably just a West Coast thing but in the future we really want to be able to do a full tour and make it out to play Cornerstone.

Q: What is the main purpose of The Hoax?

A: The main purpose of The Hoax is to be a light to the punk scene, we want to go play shows and be examples that you can be punk and Christian at the same time and that you don’t have to be drunk to have fun at a show.

Q: The Hoax is a Christian band, where do you guys draw your biggest inspiration from in the bible? What messages from the bible would you like to share with folks reading this interview?

A: Acts 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. We know everyone is sinner, we want to show other punks that you don’t have to stay in that sin. We aren’t the band that will stand up on stage and point people out and say change your ways, we just want to show people God’s love and tell them that Jesus loves them, not criticize them because they know what they are doing is wrong. If their hearts aren’t ready, I feel our criticism will just push them away. I prefer to lead by example and just show them love.

Q: Now for some fun stuff, give us a funny story about the band, some great story about a show etc.

A: The Officer Negative show. I ran up onstage and sang part of JCHC then did a stage dive, it was my first stage dive ever and it was pretty sweet that it was during JCHC.

Q: What music are you guys currently listening to? Who should we check out?

A: Everyone is listening to a lot of different stuff lately. Tyler is into a lot of grindcore and thrash. Daniel pretty much sticks to straight up punk. David is our ska guy. I’ve been listening to a lot of pop punk lately and I’ve been getting teased quite a bit for it but I’ve also been listening to a lot of ska, hardcore and metal too. I’ve really gotten into Big D & the Kids Table, they are a ska band they aren’t Christian but they are very good ska. Also Maylene and The Sons of Disaster, I really like their sound, it’s different from a lot of what is out right now. One band I was really looking forward to hearing their new album was Earth From Above but I think they have called it quits which is a bummer cause they were really good. I’m excited to hear False Idle’s new album, I can’t wait for that! I’ll only recommend one pop punk band, the guys will probably kill me for it anyway but check out Such Gold, they aren’t Christian but if you’re a fan of good pop punk you need to check them out.

Q: If you guys could be characters in any movie which movie would it be and which characters would you play?

A: Well I can’t speak for the other guys but I would choose pretty much any zombie movie, I am a huge fan of zombies. If I was in one I would definitely be the guy who doesn’t die. I’m prepared for the zombie apocalypse!

Q: What should we expect from the band in the future? More albums planned we hope?

A: I really would like to do a split album with another Christian punk band, that has been an interest of mine for quite a while. But we are going to continue writing music for as long as we can.

Q: Feel free to give shout-outs, share links, etc. Thanks for the interview and thanks for contributing to the HXCChristian.com compilation album!

A: I’d like to shout out to the local bands we are friends with Professor Panyck’s Schizophrenic Circus, Spades and Blades, Heart Like War, Higher Learning. And some not so local bands, The Way, The Kings Kids, and False Idle! Also check out Caustic Fallout Radio and all the other TPR bands. Keep the circle pit alive!

For those of you who have not heard, HXCChristian.com will have a comp album due out around March 16th.  Special thanks to our pals at Thumper Punk Records who helped with all the heavy lifting on the comp.  “We at HXCChristian.com are really excited for this comp album to be released,” says Josh of HXCChristian.com, “not only did a ton of great bands step forward to contribute to the album, but the proceeds will help HXCChristian.com to continue to have a great presence at music festivals such as Cornerstone.”  While HXCChristian.com keeps it overhead low by a pure DIY ethic, we really like to do it up at Cornerstone.  Last year, we had an official generator tent where we were able to have bands do “meet-and-greets” with all the folks who attend Cornerstone.  Leroy – lead singer for War of Ages, Andy – lead singer of A Plea For Purging, and the guys from Debtor, all came out to answer questions about the band, life on the road, and how God has used them to reach out to people at shows.  We also had a pancake breakfast with Call to Preserve, and a free spaghetti dinner where we must have fed 200 people.  We look forward to doing it bigger and better at Cornerstone this year.  So, by purchasing a download of this comp, or buying the disc will help support our efforts.

Enough about us…..Who is on the comp?  Well, we had 25 bands volunteer to put a song on the comp.  It is just short of a full disc of music.  There are two sides of the comp, hardcore vs. punk.  Here is the track listing:

Side A (Hardcore Side)
1.   Welcome to Hardcore Christian Radio
2.   “Familyhood,” In Shepherds Arms, Armor of God
3.   “Nineteen Eleven,” Braveheart, Speak to These Bones, 1981 Records
4.   “Pale Rose,” Messengers, Anthems, Facedown Records
5.   “Keep On Smiling,” Gorilla Warfare, Keep On Smiling
6.   “Big Question,” Carrying The Fire, Demo (2011)
7.   “Lazy Sunday,” Those Who Fear, S.O.T.S. Demo (2009)
8.   “The Seed,” Killing Years, Demo (2010)
9.   “Control Freaks Who’ve Lost Control,” Divinity Theory
10.  “Bare Heights,” Debtor
11.  “Voids,” Strengthen What Remains, Humanity, On The Attack Records
12.  “Season of the Starved Wolf,” A Hill To Die Upon, Infinite Titanic Immortal, Bombworks Records

Side B (Punk, Oi! and Ska Side)
13.  Welcome to Hardcore Christian Radio
14.  “Old Rugged Cross,” False Idle, Hymns of Punk Rock Praise, Thumper Punk Records
15.  “Revolution,” True Liberty, City of the One, Wounded Records
16.  “Walking Dead,” The WAY, The Fight Is Ours, Thumper Punk Records
17.   “Lost Cause,” The Kings Kids, Thumper Punk Records
18.  “Take Me Away,” The Rekoning, The Road Less Traveled, Facedown Records
19.  “They Hate You” (originally performed by FBS), Grave Robber, Exhumed, Rottweiler Records
20.  “Standoff,” FBS, Live Grenade
21.  “Mad At The Girls,” Lust Control, This is a Condom Nation, Captive Thought Publishing
22.  “You Forgot Something,” Unshackled, Overcoming Years, Thumper Punk Records and Caustic Fallout
23.  “Another Day Gone,” The Hoax, Stumbling Through, Thumper Punk Records and Caustic Fallout
24.  “Boxcutter,” Skamikaze!
25.  “10,000 Ladders,” Send Out Scuds, High Score
26.  “I Wanna Let You Out of the Box,” Destroy Nate Allen, Until My Ankle’s Better
27.  “Hope, UniSEF,” Can These Bones Live?

AND….for the big reveal, we have been teasing folks with what the album cover would be.  I am big fan of the punk DIY style and lifting an existing design or album cover.  SO…we were huge fans of the Christian Aerobics album that was released many years ago.  And we thought, what a better way to honor such an interesting piece of Christian art/Americana than to update it to “Hardcore Aerobics?”  After all, anyone who has ever been in a pit knows that it is a real work out!  Folks that buy the physical album will also get some cool info on the insert including an exclusive on the how and why the site was started.

How much? Digital downloads will be available and will be priced at $5, physical copies of the CDs will be $10 plus shipping ($2.50).  Also, we should be able to take orders on this site or from Thumper Punk Records.  So check back often before the 16th for more details.

Thanks for your support, thanks to the great folks at Thumper Punk Records, Caustic Fallout, Seth from False Idle, and all the fantastic bands that have contributed to the album!  See you at Cornerstone 2011 and God bless!

Band: The Way
Music Style: Punk
Location: Oxnard & Santa Paula, CA
Facebook Myspace Reverbnation

Q: Where and when did The Way get there start?

A: The WAY started around January of ’09. Tank, Harry, and Ryan were in a band called “R.I.P. The old Me” and had just lost their singer. That’s when I joined the group. A couple of weeks later Manny came to a practice to try out on lead guitar and we never looked back!

Q: What is the significance of the name The Way?

A: I guess you could say that the Bible verse that drives this band most is John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father but by me.” That verse is so powerful in its claim of absolute truth. It also fits with anything in life. It is the solution to any problem we face, any discouraging situation, any question about who we are. It is so simply put but it, (along with John 3:16), sums up the entire gospel message of the New Testament.

Q: What does everyone in the band do when they are not playing?

A: Ryan works for a concrete coloring company, Manny works for a body shop, Tank and Harry are currently unemployed and I work grounds maintenance for Pacifica High School out here in Oxnard CA.

Q: What bands have influenced the sound of The Way. I kind of get a Social D, early punk feel when I listen to you guys. Who do you compare your sound to?

A: Well You nailed it with that one! Social D is one of our favorite bands. As a matter of fact we cover a couple of their songs. Bad Religion is another big influence along with Pennywise, Rise against, and Good Riddance. We also dig on The Crucified.

Q: I understand that the band just signed with Thumper Punk Records, congrats! What does this mean for the band, when can we expect a full length?

A: We are very excited to be added to the Thumper Punk roster. Thumper Punk has been busy promoting us online and we are happy to get some exposure outside of our local scene. We look forward to meeting some new friends and hopefully hooking up some gigs outside our area.

Q: The Way is a Christian band, has the band always been a Christian band?

A: From the get go we have put ourselves out as a Christian band, first and foremost. We don’t go around looking down our noses at people or anything but we are unashamed of Jesus. We are more than willing to evangelize at a bar gig in the opportunity arises!

Q: What is the purpose of The Way?

A: The WAY has a passion for expressing our lives, thoughts, and even shortcomings through music. Jesus Christ has been the biggest influence on how we see the world and that comes through in our songs.

Q: From where in the bible does The Way draw most of its inspiration?

A: Like I said before, the fact that Jesus is the ONLY way to the Father is what our biblical inspiration hinges on. Jesus stands at the apex of history. He was and is the most influential, most important, most beautiful person who ever walked the face of the earth.

Q: The song “Walking Dead” is a pretty powerful song with incredible lyrics, sounds like someone has quite a testimony in the band. Care to share the personal story behind the lyrics?

A: “Walking Dead” was influenced by a very low point in my marriage. I lost my desire for my wife and was starting to give into temptation. When the Lord pulled me out of that situation it was clear to me how far I had strayed and dead I was inside. He restored my love for my wife and presented her to me in a whole new way. I have never looked back.

Q: When you guys play shows, do you share the gospel on stage? If so, how is is accepted by the crowd? Do you have shows where there is a mixed crowd of Christians and non-Christians?

A: The majority of our shows lately have been a mix of believers and non-believers at Christian venues. When we play places at those we are more open on the mic about Jesus. When we play the clubs and bars we save it for the one-on-one conversations throughout the night.

Q: Has The Way had anyone approach them after a show and given their life to Christ?

A: Nobody has approached us as of yet to receive the Lord after a show. We do however love it when people come up and ask questions about us at shows. It gives us the opportunity to share the good word.

Q: What bands has The Way shared the stage with?

A: The WAY has played with tons of great local bands. Some of the more well known ones are House of Heroes, Abandon Kansas, The Classic Crime, and most notable, Seventh Day Slumber. Maybe one day we will get that call to open up for Social D!!

Q: What shows have been the most memorable and why?

A: I would say the most memorable show to date would be the night we won the battle of the bands for a local bar. We were not officially signed up for it but were called last minute to fill a dropped slot. Long story short we won the top prize and used the money to record our new CD!

The Way – Live – “Never Enough”

Click here to view the embedded video.

The Way – Live – “You Don’t Know Me”

Click here to view the embedded video.

Q: Can we expect to see The Way tour soon? Will you guys be heading to Cornerstone Festival?

A: Touring is something we would really love to do. I don’t think that we are quit ready at the moment but look forward to planning something in the near future. As for Cornerstone, it has been on our mind and want to do it, badly

Q: Any message you want to convey to the punk/hardcore scene, shout-outs, etc?

A: To all our christian brothers and sisters who love punk rock we say to keep strong in your faith in Jesus! Never forget what He did for you on the cross, always remembering to live your life according to His will and not anyone elses. Please Check us our @ reverbnation.com/theway805, facebook.com/theway805, and myspace.com/theway805! God bless!!

Band: False Idle
Music Style: Hymnals in a Punk Rock Style
Location: Idaho
www.FalseIdlePunk.com Myspace Facebook

Q: Can you give us an introduction to Thumper Punk Records? The label is fairly new to the scene, but from what we understand at HXCChristian.com you have some things in the works. Why did you start Thumper Punk Records? What can we expect from the label in the future?

A: (David) Thumper Punk Records was formed to help artists record, produce and distribute music that reflects a positive, Christ-centered message. I started writing a music blog (www.thumperpunk.com) several years ago to share information about Christian punk and ska bands, and recently decided that it was time to get-off-the-couch and take the next step. My initial discussion with Sef began as result of a discussion in the HXCChristian.com forum about worship hymns played in a punk rock style. Sef and I were on the same page with the music, and have the sole purpose of bringing glory to Christ. So, here we are.

Q: The first release for Thumper Punk Records will be a new recording artist called False Idle, with a familiar person to HXCChristian.com as the mastermind, Sef, fill in the people on who you are and your background….

A: (Sef) Who am I… hmmm… well some of the folks reading this might recognize the name uniSEF, which was a project that I started like 5 or 6 years ago that eventually turned into the band that some of you may know. We went our separate ways about a year ago now and I, not being able to sit around for very long, started up the new project False Idle.

Q: We understand that False Idle is not your typical run of the mill hardcore punk band, can you fill us in what makes False Idle different than other bands?

A: (Sef) Well, False Idle it isn’t actually a band. It’s what we in the music industry like to call a solo project. I’m not big on having the focus be on me, so I had to come up with a ‘band name’ so I could fool everyone. Tricky… eh? The funny thing is, uniSEF started the exact same way… but don’t get your hopes up!

Q: So False Idle is covering traditional Church Hymns in a punk style, what famous Hymns can we expect a punk twist on? What songs are the most interesting and why?

A: The list is as follows:
Old Rugged Cross
It is Well with My Soul
Great is Thy Faithfulness
He Lives
To God be the Gory
He’s Alive

(Sef) Initially I was partial to “It is Well,” because I really tried to make that one into a technical punk style of song, “He Lives,” because I went a little more hXc with that one, and “He’s Alive,” because, A. It is an amazing song B. It was the song that kicked off the project and C. I really challenged myself to develop it well… But now that the whole CD is done, I honestly like them all a lot for all different reasons. I’m super stoked on how they all turned out.

Q: Sef, who has collaborated on this album with you, did you record all the different instruments?

A: (Sef) I did all of the song choosing and concept writing myself. My initial plan was to play all of the instruments myself on the recording, but as my relationship with Thumper Punk Records grew, I really started striving to put out as high quality of a CD as I could. That being the case I called in the big guns for drums. My good friend Matt L. (Death and Revolution) was kind enough to once again lend his skills to one of my projects, and he tore it up for sure. My friend Jess H. was also kind enough to record some piano and organ parts for the project. Then of course had the fellas over to lay down some gang vocals, just to give it that good ‘ol punk rock feel! Aside from that, I played all of the other instruments

Q: I read somewhere that you had some great guest vocals, care to share who might be making guest vocal appearances on the album?

A: (Sef) Haha… those rumors… you can never trust em… But yes, my pal Nate Rising from FBS laid down some gang vocals and backup parts throughout the CD. Josh from FBS begged and begged me to let him have some parts on the CD but I told him “no way dude”… haha… Actually he was going to do some too, but the window of opportunity was pretty tight… so it, unfortunately, didn’t happen. But if you listen real close you’ll also hear another familiar voice, Tyler from uniSEF came back into the studio too hook it up with some of his signature backup vocs…

Q: How challenging was it to come up with different music to come up with for these traditional hymns? Did you try to stay true to the traditional sounds of the songs or did you reinvent them completely?

A: (Sef) At first it was pretty easy, I had been coming up with ideas in my head for the first couple of songs for some time, but as the project progressed it got a little more difficult. There is actually one song on the CD that I completely re-wrote about halfway through the process because I just didn’t like the feel it had at all. Luckily a song by Flatfoot 56 totally inspired me for that specific song, and now I love how it turned out. I’ll let you try to figure out which one…

My goal throughout the project was to keep as close to the traditional feel of each song as I could, but also to make it a full on punk rock CD. Thinking back now, that was quite a challenge… haha… My hopes were to bring these amazing songs from the past into today so that this generation could have a chance to hear, and appreciate them.

So to make sure I stayed true to the original feel of each song this is what I did. Once I had all of the concept recordings finished, I sent them to my mom… yup, you can always count on mom… So when she came back and said that they were good, not really her style, but she recognized them all and could sing along with them, I knew that I pulled it off.

Q: Where and when can we get our hands on the new False Idle album?

A: (David) False Idle’s Hymns of Punk Rock Praise will be available through the Thumper Punk Records website (www.thumperpunkrecords.com), and digital downloads will be available from iTunes, Amazon and the usual suspects.

Q: What else do you have in the works for Thumper Punk Records? Any chance you will try to release some hard to find records on your label?

A: (David) Regarding my future plans for the label, I have been discussing projects with a number of bands and hope to announce the next project soon. While I wouldn’t be against re-releasing hard to find music, my primary focus will be to support new projects. If I had a shout-out, it would be to the entire HXCChristian.com team for supporting a Christian ministry to the punk and hardcore community.

Q: So after False Idle, what are you plans, do you think you might do a follow up album?

A: (Sef) Well, it’s pretty funny. I had so many song ideas thrown at me when I started this project; the joke going around is “what songs are you going to put on Hymns, “Volume II…” So let’s just say there is a pretty good chance that False Idle isn’t gonna be a one trick pony…

Q: Anything else you guys would like to add, websites, facebook pages, myspace pages, shout-outs, etc, feel free to add, and thanks for the interview!

A: (Sef) I just have to say, I have been doing the punk rock thing for quite some time, and up until this project I have done it 100% DIY all the way. So when David @ Thumper Punk Records approached me with the idea of putting this out on a label, I was a little hesitant. But after talking to friends and family and giving it some serious prayer, I decided to give it a shot. And all I can say is David has been awesome! I can’t say enough about what he has done for this project and where his heart wants to take his new label. He has my full support from here on out.

For all of you musicians out there reading this, you will not find a more musician friendly and supportive label than Thumper Punk Records. If you are looking for a label, start there… and if you are a fan of great music, keep an eye out for Thumper Punk Records… you will not be disappointed…

Thanx to you guys at HXCChristian.com for playing the snot out of these new songs too! I am listening right now and have heard all 3 songs we sent to you… You guys are rad!

I’m always up for an email so hit me up anytime… God bless

- Sef Idle

www.falseidlepunk.com
False Idle Myspace
False Idle Facebook
sef AT falseidlepunk.com
http://thumperpunk.blogspot.com
www.thumperpunk.com

Interview by Doug Hurt – Contributor to HXCChristian.com

Band: Debtor
Music Style: Hardcore/Punk
Location: Philly Burbs
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/debtorpa

Q: Tell me about the band: How long have you been together?  Who are the members?  How did the band start?

A: Well, I began the attempts to form this band as far back as Spring of 2006, but it didn’t become a full band until October 2007.  That lineup was together for about a year, and then we were on hiatus for about another year before reforming in December 2009 with new members.  The new lineup is Jon Eirich (guitar), Jason Warner (guitar), Skot Rudy (bass), Josh Galloway (drums), and myself, Alan Popoli (vocals).

Q: How long have you guys been going to shows?

A: We’re all in our mid-20s, so we all went to our first shows as young teenagers.  Average is about 10 years ago.

Q: Have you guys been in other bands?

A: Lots, but probably not bands that anyone has heard of.  Jason and I played in Prevail (now Ancestor).  Jon has played in a ton of local bands over the years…some recent ones were Sincerely Monroe and Subcolour.  He still has a side project called The Rescue.  Skot played in some punk and hardcore bands from central PA: Heads Held High, The Standard, and Make It Count.

Q: Tell us about the scene in your area and bands from that area.

A: I love the greater Philadelphia area scene.  Bands like Blacklisted and Reign Supreme have put Philly back on the map in recent years.  But I grew up in the scene around the city, primarily going to shows in Lansdale, Doylestown, Collegeville, etc.  We’ve had plenty of struggles and setbacks, but there are dedicated people here who care deeply about keeping hardcore going.  I’m proud of this area.  The standards are higher here than what I’ve seen in many other scenes.  I have seen bands come and go who never got recognition but who were far better than whatever was happening in the “mainstream,” if you can call it that.

Q: You guys are on Blood and Ink Records, How does that label treat you guys not just as a band but as people?  How long have you been with the label?

A: We signed a deal with them July 2009, so we haven’t been with them long.  So far we’re very pleased.  I have long respected and enjoyed B&I bands like xLooking Forwardx and Ten 33, so I was stoked to work with them.  I’ve found that Sean knows good music, and is sincerely invested in improving Christian hardcore.  On the personal level, it can be difficult to hang because of the long drive between us, but we’ve spent hours on the phone and have had good times chilling over falafel and beans.

Q: Have you guys been on any tours?  if so, alone or with other bands?  Do you guys handle your own booking?*

A: I’m sorry to say we have not yet been able to tour, no.  We all have full-time jobs or school, and two of us are married.  On the bright side, we are blessed to be in an area that has lots of venues and scenes within 2 hours of us.  And yes, we do our own booking.

Q: What is the best show you have played so far?  Tell us about a horrible time that you have had as a band.

A: The best show has to be our comeback show last December.  There were a lot of old friends, and it was the best reaction we’ve gotten yet.  Just an all-around good show.

We haven’t had anything too terrible happen to us.  The worst show would be back in 2008, when we opened for an indie band in Doylestown, nobody was there, and I tore the butt of my jeans wide open.  Really the horrible thing we have to fear is that one of us will get too hyped and ball-tap somebody.

Q: Name some of your band’s influences:  Tell us about some bands that we should all be on the look out for.

A: We all like different music.  For example, Skot is really into New York style hardcore, while Jason’s favorite band is Living Sacrifice.  I write the music though, so what you hear in Debtor is mostly a result of my influences.  I think “Advent of a Miracle” by Strongarm is the best record ever made.  I literally talked to a guy once who said, “The first time I heard that album…I got saved.”  I also love fast, gritty hardcore like American Nightmare, and more emotional stuff like Verse.  Another big one is Derringer.  They were a great band from central PA that definitely did not get the recognition they deserved.  If you like Debtor, do yourself a favor and find a way to get a hold of “Rock & Roll Tragedy” by them.

Bands to look out for:
hardcore (or close enough):
myspace.com/killingyears
myspace.com/thinicehc
myspace.com/redemptionhc
myspace.com/burdenspa
myspace.com/mankindhc
myspace.com/100philistineforeskins
myspace.com/divinitytheory
myspace.com/withincrease

metalcore (or close enough):
myspace.com/ancestor
myspace.com/ohconstantine
myspace.com/cetus

Q: What is your band’s message?

A: It needs to be said that (with a few exceptions) I don’t intentionally approach most songs as “messages.”  They are first and foremost individual prayers about spiritual struggle.  Yet, a theme seems to have emerged from many of our songs: our dealings with the “problem of evil.”  If I had to state it briefly, it’s that suffering, depression and the like should not drive us away from God, but towards him.  When faced with evil, the proper response is not to hate God, but to run to him.  To run to God in the midst of trial requires humility; to spit in his face shows bitterness and spite. Easier said than done, obviously.  The question of evil is as old as the Bible, and we don’t pretend to be able to answer it.  The hope is simply to wrestle with it openly, honestly, and faithfully.  I believe this is a specially necessary task in a scene where the experience of evil is exactly what has caused almost everyone to reject God.

Q: How do you feel about booking agents and booking agencies in hardcore?

A: I have mixed feelings about them.  I love the D.I.Y. ethic, and I believe that spirit is necessary for good hardcore scenes to thrive.  But the reality is that there is no authority or standard to appeal to, so the definition of “D.I.Y.” is pretty flexible and arbitrary.  So, I think all I can really say is that for my own band, I’d rather book shows myself, but I don’t see how I could condemn a band that uses an agent.  There is no standard to denounce with.  Bottom line: hardcore D.I.Y. isn’t a hill I’m
prepared to die on.  We’ve got enough of those as it is.

That being said, we just silk-screened our own patches last week.

Q: Being in a hardcore band and being individually a part of this scene, how does it make you feel when you hear about Christian bands using the Christian hardcore scene as a way to gain popularity before taking a step into mainstream “hardcore stardom”?

A: I feel very much the same way as I do when a Christian brother or sister leaves the faith.  In fact, from what I know of these cases, the people in question either have lost their faith, or never had it in the first place. Like Satan, those people have chosen their own glory over God’s glory.  It’s devastating.  The temptation is to get mad, but that doesn’t help.  The truth is it’s a tragedy, and sadness is the appropriate response.

Q: Have you guys ever demanded a tour rider, deli tray, assorted candy or a specific number of red bulls and imported beers before agreeing to play a show?

A: Every show, man, but the promoters just don’t seem to care enough.  What has happened to our scene??

Q: As you do not intentionally go into writing a song with a specific message, you have songs that have strong tones concerning certain topics that kids can really relate to.  Most bands can only and will only write about girls or will talk about politics.  Some other bands will write lyrics that sound like praise songs from the 80′s that don’t quite mesh with what today’s hardcore crowd will accept…  When you show up to play a show, do you have people there that will debate your lyrics and what you guys are about; or is it mainly people talking trash just because they know you guys are a Christian band?

A: Hah yeah…well first of all, if a band isn’t going to say something worth saying, they absolutely should not be screaming it.  In truth, if there’s no fire in your belly – if there’s no seed of discontentment with the status quo – then it’s just a matter of time before you phase out of hardcore and blend completely into the rest of the world.

As for responses from non-Christians, it’s a very mixed bag.  On the negative side, there is a large segment of our local scene who reject wholesale the idea of Christian hardcore, and it can be difficult even to get on a show with those bands.  For people like that, we don’t count as hardcore, just as Christian music, and it makes more sense for us to play with Christian metalcore bands than with atheist hardcore bands.  On the flip side, there are those who don’t much care about beliefs and just want
to rock out.  We don’t preach from stage or give any kind of altar call, and they like our music, so they don’t much care that we’re screaming about God.  Some flat out disagree with our beliefs, but sing along to certain parts anyway.  As an aside to Christians who are in bands or considering starting them: I think the average hardcore kid cares a lot less about beliefs than he may say; what he really cares about is being bored.  I think you can get away with a lot more boldness than you might think, so long as you’re not boring while you’re doing it.

Unfortunately, we don’t get as much debate about our lyrics as I’d like it. If people have a problem, they generally express it by trash talking via the internet or when we’re not around, or just ignoring us.  I would love to see greater numbers of people debate with us!  The best responses, though, are the odd/obscure threats, as in a recent fun case where a metal band took the
stage after us and commanded the Christians in the room to “fall on my hammer!”

Q: If you could go back to any year, and you had 24 hours to do anything at all…  what would you do?

A: First choice: meet Jesus or Paul and listen to them.  Second choice, go WAY back, and tame a Velociraptor.

Q: Which is better…  XBOX 360 or PS3?  Hockey or Football?  Chicken or Steak?  Dr Pepper or Mr Pibb?

A: Don’t know, Hockey, Chicken, Dr. Pepper.

Q: What would you like to say to those reading this, especially the ones that have never heard of your band or maybe stumbled across our website by chance?

A: That’s tough.  I guess if I had to say anything, it would be that there is nothing worth living for but God.