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Guest Blogger: HEIDI MINX of Builtonrespect.com!

2009-07-09T19:24:09-05:00

AMP Says: Monthly Music Recommendation for July & August 2009

2009-07-01T23:08:16-05:00

• Bash any bands/talk trash: This is not a place to say how much a certain band, person, music genre sucks. Just stick to voting please.

• Self Promoting: Okay so we always support hardworking bands, especially independant bands who self promote! However, we would appreciate it, if you guys just talked about the listed bands in blog comments. If you just have to promote your band, there is a place for you on our Forums page! If you would like your band to be featured in AMP SAYS, send us a message on myspace!

• Scroll Comments or Votes: Feel free to say what you have to say, just don’t repeat yourself over and over. It’s annoying and no one likes it!

General FYI:

RIYL stands for Rocks If You Like

July / August 2009 RIYL: All Bets Off, Ramparts, Refused Read more...	RIYL: Boucing Souls,Rancid, Bad Religion Read more...
RIYL: Sky Eats Airplace, I See Stars, All Time Low Read more...	RIYL: David Usher, Our Lady Peace, The Dears Read more...
RIYL: For Today, War of Ages A Plea For Purging Read more...	RIYL: Cartel, The Starting Line, Cute Is What We Aim For Read more...
\ RIYL: The Soviettes, Against Me!, Banner Pilot Read more...	RIYL: Forever The Sickest Kids, Mayday Parade, Boys like girls Read more...

Our Last Night: The Ghost Among Us

2008-03-07T17:52:05-05:00

More Underoath influenced Metal for the kids! However, these guys are better at it than most. Solid vocal and guitar harmonies can be found through out “The Ghosts Among Us” the young act’s first record with Epitaph.

Songs like “Recovery” have beautiful epic chorus’ but lack that pure hardcore punch when singer Trevor Wentworth decides to let the screams fly. If you’re into The Chariot, Underoath, or Haste The Day, you should definitely check these guys out.

Built on Respect - heidiminx and Porcel get to talking.

2009-07-07T23:03:11-05:00

So, for my first blog, I thought it would be cool to talk with Porcel (Youth of Today/Judge).
After a random late night call, I realized that we shared some similar viewpoints, and life experiences—and thought the best way to convey them was with us asking each other questions.
Here’s the first part!

JP: Heidi, I met you briefly at the Black n Blue Bowl this year when Bold played, you were dragging me out of the crowd every 10 minutes or so to do interviews in the back room! Strange, because a few days later I was flipping through Amp magazine at Borders and I saw your interview in there and I was thinking “check it out, the interview girl got interviewed!” I must say, I was really impressed with the article and your work with Built on Respect. How did you first get into Buddhism?

HM: I’m laughing over your first question. It was funny, because you were actually one of the people I wanted to discuss Built on Respect with at BNB Bowl, and at the end of the day I said, “Shoot, I didn’t get to talk to Porcel because I was handling the interviews.” I guess everything comes full circle. But, to answer your question, I was given the book “The Teaching of Buddha” by my father MANY years ago. It sat on my shelf for ages, until one hot summer night, my friend Ames and I were sitting on the front stoop of her building. I realized I had hit a brick wall and wasn’t really learning anything, and that I desperately missed it. I started to read that book, and actually tried to recruit Ames to a couple of dharma classes, but that didn’t really work. Funny part of that story though, I inadvertently introduced Ames to Noah Levine, who several years later, became her husband.

OK, word association—as quickly as you can, tell me what these mean
to you:

JP:
Spirituality: The eternal occupation of the soul. By that I mean we are all spirit souls inhabiting these different bodies and preoccupied with our temporary pursuits in this world, but deep down what is the activity that will nurture our true, eternal essence? Finding the answer to that question is what spirituality is really all about.

Religion: Religion to me is when we try to take spiritual pursuits and box them within the confines of culture and nationality, which generally leads to sectarianism and an “us vs. them” mentality, and at worst people flying planes into the World Trade Center in the name of God. Better to focus on what brings us together instead of what separates us.

Dharma: I love the Vedic aphorism “dharmashya sukashya,” which basically translates as “Always try to do the right thing and you’ll always be happy.”

Dogma: Whether you’re talking about religious dogma or even something like veganism or straight edge, getting caught up in rules and regulations without understanding the purpose behind them or where they are ultimately trying to bring you to leads to fanaticism.

Music: Music to me is a very spiritual thing, in that they both have the same objective, which is to take what’s in your heart and express it.

And, which two do you think go together the best, why? See above answer!

My return question… well I want to know more about Built on Respect and your plans with it but we’ll get to that. First I’ll hit you with this (I have this theory that you can tell A LOT about people by the way they answer these simple questions)… What are you top 5 favorite records, books and movies?

HM:
Records:
Social D - Mommy’s Little Monster
Dirty Water - Dirty Water
Bruce Springsteen - Devils and Dust
Warzone - Don’t Forget the Struggle, Don’t Forget the Streets The Who - Quadrophenia

Books:
Lexicon Devil
Dharma Punx
Valley of the Dolls
Tibetan Book of Living and Dying
Memoirs of a Geisha

Movies:
Samsara
Gone with the Wind
The Commitments
Sunset Boulevard
Another State of Mind

So after hitting up your MySPace - I realized we been to the same Maharaja’s palace in Jaipur. That place was amazing! What IS your favourite thing about India?

JP: India is awesome because in the small villages I usually go to, even though materially speaking the people are poor, life is simple and uncomplicated and because they based their lives around their spiritual beliefs, the people are happy and treat each other well.

Contrast that with America where we have all the money and comforts in the world but a lot of the time people are depressed, overweight, stressed out and addicted to alcohol or some other kind of medication, legal or illegal, just to get through the week. Every time I fly back from India and into JFK I just get the feeling that America has become such a consumer “rat race” of a society that we’ve overlooked some very fundamental life lessons that people elsewhere in the world take for granted. Kind of refreshing to get that perspective.

So back to you… Do you think that being into punk somehow prepared you or laid the groundwork for you becoming a Buddhist and do you see any similarities between Buddhism and the punk ethos?

HM: I get asked this quite a bit, I actually just commented on it in an interview I did with Shawna Kenny, who I think you know as well! Here are my thoughts:

I think that punk was always about questioning: Is this right? Is this just? Can it be changed? When I was younger, I knew things were wrong, or unjust, but I wasn’t skillful in my approach to change them. So, as most young punks, I was angry. I went to shows, I was destructive to myself, I knew something needed to change, but I wasn’t sure how yet.

Dharma taught me a lot, even things like Lojong, or Tonglen — patience, and taking and giving. Once I got a firmer grasp on understanding anger — how to transform it — then a whole new world opened up.

I think punk taught me how to question, and dharma taught me how to answer, so the two are inseparable to me.

So - what IS happening on the music front for you?

JP: Bold is going to Europe in August and then we play Liskfest in California on Sept. 5th. After that there’s been rumblings about going to Japan and Indonesia in February, we’ll see how that goes. I may start a new band if I can find some time between earning a living, my kids, my clothing company (truetilldeathhq.com) and other
responsibilities. I remember being young and unencumbered, ready to rock the world without a care in the world—what a special time that was! Now that I’m older I’ve traded some of that for my kids—and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Love’s a funny thing…

THE RAVEN’s Official Blog (Entry #2)

2009-06-12T18:53:10-05:00

Hoi Hoi,

Just wanted to let you guys know a couple of exciting things that are happening for us. One we are officially releasing our E.P all over Europe on July 3rd! So you will be able to walk into your favorite store (probably not available at a sex shop!) and pick a copy of our E.P! This E.P has a completely different design then the one your used to seeing, this one comes with a 6 page booklet with lyrics and pictures and so on.

We are also going to be hitting the studio this year and start recording our full length album. Be very excited! We are

The second exciting news is that we have a shot at having our song One Last Time, on New Moon’s soundtrack.

If you want to help us out please visit Youtube - The Raven - One Last Time and watch the video and tell the crew at New Moon (they are listening) that we should be on the soundtrack. And if you’re not convinced check out some of the trailers that fans have made with our song in them.

P.S: I got a new tattoo.

Rock on

-Davey-

Let Me Run

2009-06-11T22:14:06-05:00

You guys have quite a throwback sound in a world that seems to desperately need it. A lot of younger bands these days seemed to have glazed right over the SAMIAM, JAWBREAKER, PEGBOY classes in school. How old are you guys, what are some of your favorite bands, and what has influenced you musically?

(Travis) We are all in our twenties. I’m 27. Louis is 24. Trevor is 24, and Corey is 21. My overall favorite bands and musicians include Hot Water Music, Springsteen of course, and I’ve been really big on Jets to Brazil over the last few months. Aside from these artists, I think my overall influence would be day to day stuff. We are getting help from and meeting some awesome people right now, and that is a huge push. It’s very positive.

(Louis) I personally am a big fan of bands like the DESCENDENTS, FUGAZI, WESTON and a million others. We’ve all been influenced by many great bands and all come from fairly diverse musical backgrounds.

Do you find being from Jersey that more of history has been kept in your face, with inescapable bands like THE BOUNCING SOULS being from your hood, and being surrounded by historied cities and scenes such as Richmond, VA and Boston in your backyard?

(Corey) I know Boston has a big hardcore scene, and Richmond has an awesome punk scene. New Brunswick really has a lot of diversity, but it’s a really tight-knit community for the most part. Everyone helps out everyone else in any way they can. I think that’s a big part of the New Brunswick scene history. New Jersey is definitely a tough place to break out of musically because there’s so many bands here that it’s hard to stand out sometimes. It’s almost like, if you can make it in Jersey you have a good shot of doing well out of state. Bands like the Bouncing Souls have really proven this years ago, and 20 years later they’re still killin’ it!

(Travis) Being from NJ has really been a blessing for us. New Brunswick and Somerset, in general, are home. It’s amazing to think that so many great things have occurred in and around that area. Music and historical events. The last time we played in Richmond, our friend Chris actually took us by the Confederate Whitehouse. Pretty Crazy. I remember us all kind of laughing at how shotty it looked. In comparison to the REAL Whitehouse. I think the next time we are there, we are actually going to do more site seeing. There is a giant statue of Stonewall Jackson on a horse in the middle of town. That is pretty much awesome.

Sorry, I’ll get away from your sound for a second. I was just really taken back by how great it was to hear such authentic sounds coming through my speakers Let¹s talk new album. You guys had previously released a self-titled EP, and this is your debut full-length. How long have you guys been working on these songs? How have they evolved over time?

(Travis) Well, the eleven songs on "Meet Me at the Bottom" are the first eleven songs we wrote. Three of them were demoed out in October of 2007 and we used that primarily to get onto shows, give away, and party with rock and roll elites. We wrote all of the songs in a period of about six months and then made some changes here and there during pre-production.

(Louis) Yeah 3 of the songs were written in August/September that we demoed with Nick Rotunda at Clay Creek Studios, actually on my birthday of that year. It was done on a really small budget, paid for by us. We took all three songs to the full length and were writing up until we actually laid down the tracks in the studio a few months later.

How did you guys hook up with XOXO Records?

(Travis) Jay of XOXO got our demo from us at one of the Hot Water Music reunion shows last year and came out to see us a few times. We went to a chain restaurant, talked, and later, we signed contracts at a diner. Our signing bonus was a case of Golden Anniversary Beer bought from the HUB in New Brunswick, which is one of the finer establishments in town.

Where, and who with did you record "Meet Me At The Bottom", and how was that experience?

(Travis) We recorded the record in Freehold, NJ with Josh Jakubowski at Canon Road. A proper summary of the experience would be "oof". Everything that could have went wrong, went wrong. This includes spinal injuries, spider bites, hard drives crashing, coffee spilling into amps, our drummer quitting - which was actually not bad at all, a botched mastering job, and a shortage of taquitos at 7-11. Everything else was pretty good. Josh pushed us and made us a better band. He had me lay down on the floor and sing a few times. When things went really well, he would throw some piece of studio equipment on the floor. Joe from Exeter Recording Studios also worked on the album as well. We drank so much fucking coffee.

(Louis) Travis pretty much said it all, we were swamped with problems and trying to basically play shows and practice five days a week while making the record, as our band was still very new and we needed the exposure. There was a lot of trying times as most of the problems we faced were outside of the band’s control, but we all made it through and probably for the better.

(Trevor) When I joined the band and made my first trip to the studio, everything seemed to be going fine. Aside from the serious medical issues Louis was having, I thought everything was going quite smoothly. Oh yeah, and the infamous "coffee in the orange amp" situation that I got an earful about. It just seemed to snowball from there, though. Like Travis said about hard drive crashes and botched mastering. It just seemed that some people’s heart fell out of the project at a time that we really needed all the support we could get making the album. The songs on the album are amazing. I have a cool standpoint as being a fan of the band, then joining it.

You guys seem to have a 50 or so date assault on the East Coast coming up. Do you guys tour a lot, or are you planning to this year? Anything in the works so far?

(Travis) Yeah, we are going out full-time in March. I quit my job as a teacher, and the other guys left are leaving many opportunities behind as well to venture out. We start off with a six week trek throughout the Midwest and South East. I think we are in Florida for six days, which is awesome. We’d go to Disney World, but it costs money. We will be getting home right before Easter and then heading out on a two week tour of the North East with our friends Sakes Alive. After that, we will be doing 3 weeks in May and most of June out to the West Coast. If you want us to come to your town, please shoot us an email and let us stay at your house.

How is the scene in New Jersey, and do you find the kids being open minded to new bands, or just ol’ fav’s and touring bigger bands? Do you think bands like Static Radio and Gaslight have helped rejuvenate the scene out there?

(Louis) Gaslight Anthem and Static Radio are two very important bands in my opinion. The New Brunswick as a scene has always been an incredible place for music, but the fact that both of the bands are venturing out and connecting with so many people outside of new Jersey is amazing. Both bands represent an important heart and soul that I feel is missing from a lot of scenes these days, and it’s great for fans to see this first hand at a show.

(Trevor) I really like both of those bands that you just mentioned as people and as musicians, and I mean no offense when I say it’s not just them that have rejuvenated the scene. Every band that starts up around here contributes somewhat. Every band wants people at their shows. Everyone has a different take on music, and its really cool hearing what all our friends have to offer. The range is vast around here.

(Travis) For the most part, kids have been really receptive to us, which is awesome. Unfortunatly, kids booking shows in New Brunswick have run into some problems in the last month or so. Apparently cops have been trolling message boards and breaking up shows as well as ticketing those that live in the houses. Its kind of funny though, we got a message in our inbox the other day from someone saying, "Please delete HUB-CITY PUNK from your myspace friends. We have reason to believe that the account is a front for police officers trying to disrupt basement shows from happening." Thats really kind of a sad sad sad undercover task force. hahah. What do you do? Go home and say, "Honey! I broke up two shows today!!!"

Smoothie and a diary, or a beer and beards?

(Corey) Beerds.

(Louis) Beer and Beards all the way. No blogging allowed.

(Travis) A Beer Smoothie, while reading the diary of Stonewall Jackson.

(Trevor) I cannot grow a beard. But I like beer.

What 5 bands would you recommend people checking out that have really turned your head lately?

(Louis) Scream Hello, The Revelling, Sakes Alive, The Riot Before, Fake Problems

(Travis) Minnesota’s Calling, We’re all Broken, Sakes Alive, The Menzingers, Bruce Springsteen

(Trevor) Definitely Minesota’s Calling, Scream Hello, PJ Bond. Torchbearer. And also go back in time. There’s so much shit out there that a lot of kids have skipped. Like, what influences did your favorite band My Chemical Romance have? Check that out and maybe you’ll appreciate it more.

(Corey) Warship.

Any last words?

(Louis) We are gonna be on tour forever, Come hang when we are in your town!

(Travis) www.myspace.com/babyletmerun

party, party...party

(Trevor) Travis leaves parties way to early nowadays to say "party party party"

(Corey) Thank you to anyone who has given us a chance.

www.myspace.com/babyletmerun

www.xoxorecords.com

Let Me Run’s new Record can be purchased at Punkrockmusic.com, Best Buy, Barnes and Noble, Amazon.com, and most other stores.

M Ward Interview

2009-06-03T20:17:32-05:00

On February 17th, 2009, Portland-based folk star M. Ward debuted his latest record Hold Time to the world. Ward, known for his signature, peaceful baritone voice and finesse in finger picking on acoustic guitar, has been a fixture in the world of folk music for the past ten years, and caries such big name fans like Conor Oberst, Jenny Lewis, and his SHE AND HIM side-project-partner-in-crime Zooey Deschanel. Recently, M. Ward sat down with AMP to discuss his new record, the modern day musical world, and the return of his other super group THE MONSTERS OF FOLK.

How did the acoustic guitar become the voice for your music?

The acoustic guitar was the first guitar I learned how to play on; it was a really cheap acoustic with terrible action, and I played that guitar for years before I ended up buying an electric guitar. I made my first four-track tape on acoustic, so I think had a big part of the appeal for me; it’s how I learned how to play.

Did you play any instruments prior to the acoustic guitar?

I played piano for a couple weeks, but guitar was my first instrument.

What music influences you?

There are so many things [in modern music], but I get a lot of my inspiration from older records; there’s a lot records being made these days that I appreciate. There’s a lot of guitarists that I think are great, that are still around; I think Nick Zinner from the YEAH YEAH YEAHS is an incredible guitarist and I like Jack white, also.

Your latest record Hold Time has a scratchy, vinyl record-like quality to it; how do you achieve such a sound?

We use all analog gear, and that’s a big part of it. We don’t use digital equipment in it at all, and that’s the biggest reason [for the sound].

What does it feel to be compared to have your music compared to icons in the music world like Tom Waits?

I don’t really care much about the comparisons; I think people naturally want to compare [music] to [other music] to help someone else understand it, and I do the same thing. It doesn’t matter to me who or what they compare [my music] to.

What did you do differently with Hold Time than on the last M.Ward record Post War?

I wanted to try a new balance on this record, on the production side of things; a lot of bigger sounds and a lot of smaller sounds. [I wanted to] just create a new balance between different production styles.

How would you describe the overall feel of Hold Time?

I don’t know; I think, in general, all my records kind of sound pretty much similar.

How do you feel about today’s folk scene?

There are just so many great singers and artists out there, but I think I get most of inspiration from older record; I don’t listen to a lot of things that are on the [music] charts, these days.

What are your thoughts on the recent rise in interest and in sales of vinyl records?

I think that [the rise of vinyl interest] is a good trend, and I think it’s going to continue to come and go, like that. I think it’s a good trend for people to care about sound quality.

Are you a vinyl connoisseur?

I have a bit of vinyl; I don’t really have a huge collection, but I have a solid collection.

Are there any gems in your vinyl collection that you’re proud of?

I have all of Elizabeth Cotton’s stuff on vinyl, and I’m pretty proud of that.

What else is next for you, in terms of Hold Time?

The promotion of this record will take the most time; doing interviews, playing shows, making set lists, and stuff like that.

Any plans to revive the Conor Orberst/Jim James/M.Ward super group THE MONSTERS OF FOLK?

Yeah, we’re working a little bit together this year; it’s difficult to get all four of us in the same room because of the different schedules, but I love that project. I imagine that record will be out in 2010.

Envy On The Coast

2009-06-03T16:49:58-05:00

Born on the shores of Long Island, Envy on the Coast came together in 2006 with, in their own words, “a swiss-army rock aesthetic, boundless ambitions, and hearts big enough to fit each of their growing swell of fans.” Following their self-titled debut EP, they hit the road, touring with bands like 30 Seconds to Mars and Angels & Airwaves. The road was good to them, but they retreated to a wintry existence in cold cabins in a desolate, isolated outpost in Windham, New York, where they were inspired to write their first full-length, “Lucy Gray."

Living out of a van supporting the new record, the guys from L.I. hooked up with Taking Back Sunday, finishing up the year in grand style with high expectations for this current tour that concludes back home in the Empire State. I caught up with them in the van the day of their first show. Vocalist Ryan Hunter was gracious enough to share a few minutes about the approaching days on the road.

First, how are you guys doing and how has the past year been?

We’re anxious and itching to play at this current point in time. I’m currently sitting in our van, parked outside of the venue in Corpus Christi, Texas. It’s a 32 hour-drive from Long Island to Corpus Christi, so we developed a decent case of cabin fever these past few days. We’re just itching to play and shake all the insanity out of us. As for our past year, it’s been great. “Lucy” took us to countries we’d never thought we’d visit and it’s been a grueling but rewarding year.

How did the tour with Taking Back Sunday come about? When did it start and how has it been going thus far?

The tour with Taking Back Sunday came straight from the source. Adam heard our record and dug it. He came up and jammed with us at a show back in New York a couple of months ago, and Eddie came down to hang as well. Eddie pulled me aside backstage following the show and told me that the next tour they did, they wanted us on it. I can’t really tell you how it’s been going yet, because we have yet to play a show. Taking Back Sunday is inside soundchecking and they sound really good, so I can give you that much.

Are those guys pretty cool?

They’re solid dudes, great players, and they’re passionate about what they do. I was 13 years old when I saw that band play for the first time, and it’s nice to see that 8 years later, they’re still killing it and enjoying themselves. That’s what it’s all about.

Talk about “Lucy Gray.” What’s the response been like?

The response to “Lucy” was great. I don’t know how to answer that question specifically, since it is fairly vague. There’s a ton of people with tattoos dedicated to Lucy and people are still coming out to shows and singing along, so that would be my best way to describe the response. Lucy was good to us. She’s a sweetheart.

You guys are from Long Island? How did the band start and what inspired you guys to form “Envy on the Coast?” And where did the name come from?

The name came from an old song title of ours. We used to go by “Writ in Water,” which holds a shit ton of meaning to me, but confuses the hell out of people due to the antiquated language. As for the band coming into fruition, it’s a fairly complicated story. The most simplified way to put it is that all 5 of us are kids who grew up making noise in Long Island bands, and when everyone went away to school or experimented with new endeavors, we stuck around and decided we wanted to be musicians. We were fortunate enough to find each

other in that decision.

Now that gas prices have come back to relatively normal, has touring and being on the road gotten easier?

We filled up for $27 earlier today. The last time we were in a van, it cost us $120. That’s just fucking ridiculous and I hope things stay this way. However, we all know this economy fluctuates at an incredible rate. We chose to live out of this van and although it smells and I miss New York from time to time, I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

The tour winds down in New York at the end of the year. Will you guys be taking a break at its conclusion?

We’re done with this tour on December 20th. At that point, we’ll relax for the holidays with our families. Following all the Christmas gifts and good home cooked meals, we’ll head out on a small holiday tour that we do every year, and following that we’ll be returning home to continue writing our new record.

What does the New Year hold for you guys?

We’ll be continuing writing the new record until April. Assuming inspiration crawls into all of our beds at night and keeps us warm during the months of January, February, and March, we’ll record our record in April.

Lastly, why should folks come check you out?

Both bands on the tour are from New York. I need to sell you on that shit? Come on now.

Frank Turner

2009-06-02T19:08:11-05:00

It’s been about four years since Frank Turner turned down the amps and picked up an acoustic guitar, but he is still every bit a punk rocker at heart.

His latest effort, Love Ire & Song is a brilliant collection of angst, rebellion, hope and acceptance. More than a dozen tracks drawing influences as disparate as BAD RELIGION and Bob Dylan. A member of the former hardcore group MILLION DEAD, Turner has moved to a folksier sound with his solo releases.

The punk rock indie stalwart Epitaph recently signed Turner and has agreed to release Love Ire & Song in the U.S. Meanwhile, his earlier album, Campfire Punkrock, is finally getting a vinyl release from Good Friends Records.

Turner spoke with AMP recently about his new life as a folk rocker, the appeal of American crowds and politely apologized for being a “prick tease.”

It’s been a few years since you left MILLION DEAD. Do you ever miss playing louder punk rock?

Yeah, there are days when I miss it, particularly the physicality of the shows. The problem is though that hardcore is the easiest style of music to play badly - so many bands do. If the heart isn’t in it, you can tell straight away and it’s fucking terrible. When I was 19 years old or whatever I had the fire and the right kind of anger to sustain playing in that kind of band and touring all year round. These days, not so much, and the last thing I’d want to do is to give the world more bad hardcore. There’s already so much of it (ha, ha). These days I get to tour with a backing band in the UK, and that kinda covers all bases for me now.

When the band broke up, did you know all along you wanted to start playing more acoustic/folk songs?

I started doing this pretty much straight away. We did a farewell tour, so I’d had a little time to think about it. I can’t say I was sure I’d be doing it long-term though. I think part of me thought it was a stop-gap thing to do while I figured out my shit. It so happened that I’d stumbled across my niche in life, so I’m still here now, which is lucky!

What can you tell me about the follow up record to Love Ire & Song?

I’m working on it right now. The previous records I’ve done have been very meticulous processes- me playing most of the instruments, laying things down track by track and so on. This time round I’m hitting the studio (in May) with my band and we’re going to record as live as possible, try to get a more raw, earthy sound. We’re working with Alex Newport, which is going to be great. Right now we’re rehearsing like machines, going through the songs over and over until they’re note-perfect. Actually I think my band hates me now a little bit (laughs). I’m a bit of a slave driver sometimes. The record’s called Poetry Of The Deed and it’ll be out in September.

Who will be releasing the new CD in the U.S.?

I’m literally days away from signing a deal with an amazing label for worldwide distribution, but I can’t say who right now, sorry! But yeah, my, um, operation in the States is going to really step up a level later this year, and I’m really excited about that. (Editor’s Note: A few days after the interview, it was announced that Frank Turner had signed with Epitaph Records).

Do you find it harder playing as a solo musician vs. being in a band? Is there more pressure knowing it’s your name out front?

I’d characterize it by saying that everything’s more extreme. When things go badly, then it’s worse, but when they go well, it’s better - I take the credit (laughs). Right now, having the regular backing band that I play with, I get a really great balance of both worlds, and I’m really happy with that set up.

How have the tours with GASLIGHT ANTHEM and ANTI-FLAG been going?

The GASLIGHT tour was an absolute pleasure - those guys are a fucking great band and a really nice bunch of chaps, too. We had a blast, and hopefully we’ll be on the road together again soon, I miss ‘em. The ANTI-FLAG shows actually didn’t happen. Justin broke his collar bone at a show in the UK just before we were due to go to Russia, so the trip got cancelled, which was a bummer. I have a show with them in Zurich coming up though, so we’ll get to meet and hang out, which I’m looking forward to.

Is there a difference to the audiences in the U.S. vs. Europe?

Being English gives you something of a head start in the U.S. with audiences - you guys are Anglophiles, on the whole. That’s nothing to complain about, it makes my job a little easier! I’d definitely say the U.S. is my favorite place to tour outside the UK, and objectively I think American audiences are really great, but at the end of the day I’m an Englishman through and through, and it’s always a blast playing to a home crowd.

You’re touring with the OFFSPRING later this year? Ever toured with them before? Do you know what to expect?

That tour is kind of keeping me awake at night right now. It was a direct request from the band, which is hugely flattering. I grew up listening to those guys, and just to meet them would be great. The tour is going to rule. It’s going to help me out in the States a lot I think and I’m really excited to be on it. But it’s a BIG tour! Like, many thousands of people a night, and I’m not stereotypically punk. Essentially I think I’m going to have to prove myself each night, and while I’m confident and like a challenge, this is, uh, a big one.

Campfire Punkrock is being released on vinyl in the U.S. - any plans for other re-releases in the U.S.?

Yeah we’re working on some ideas. Actually, a lot depends on this deal I’m about to do which I can’t talk about. Sorry to be such a prick tease.

The Ataris

2009-06-02T18:41:38-05:00

For the last year, much of the news coming from THE ATARIS pertained to acoustic tours and talk of a new record. Kris Roe embarked on a series of solo acoustic tours, which spanned multiple continents to play some older material. When he came back, a renewed vitality in THE ATARIS was born. The new ATARIS album is set to be released this summer, and leading up to that, the band is playing some dates including Bamboozle and the Vans Warped Tour this summer. Bassist Bryan Nelson and guitarist Chris Swinney took some time out of recording to talk with us about what to expect in the months to come.

What have you guys been up to lately?

CHRIS: We are in Indiana right now, and the weather is horrible. We’ve been doing a lot of press and promo for our South African tour we have coming up after Bamboozle. Other than that, we’ve been pretty much just finishing up the album. Kris is finishing up recording the vocals right now. He just got back from Australia; he did an acoustic four-show tour there.

BRYAN: A lot of the time we’ve been practicing too.

CHRIS: Yeah, lots of practice. We are doing a MISFITS set at Bamboozle, and that’s been pretty much taking up all our time trying to get those songs down.

Why did you guys specifically choose the MISFITS for Hoodwink [Day 1 of Bamboozle], and what era of MISFITS should we expect to hear stuff from?

BRYAN: We did MISFITS because the DESCENDENTS songs were too hard to play. (laughs)

CHRIS: Yeah, we wanted to do the DESCENDENTS, but man, we just didn’t have enough time. MISFITS were our fall-back plan so we went with them. We pretty much are doing all Danzig MISFITS era, not anything after that.

Bamboozle is just around the corner. With all the bands playing, are there any in particular you’re excited to see?

CHRIS: We’re really psyched to see NO DOUBT because they haven’t played in so long. We’re really excited to see SUM 41 again ‘cause it’s been a while.

BRYAN: And FACE TO FACE.

CHRIS: Yeah, FACE TO FACE. We’re crazy excited about that. THE GET UP KIDS reunion will be great too. I’ve never seen them live so this will be my first time seeing them.

BRYAN: I saw Matt Pryor play a couple months ago with Dustin from THRICE, Chris Conley, and Anthony from BAYSIDE.

CHRIS: I’m stoked to see BAYSIDE too. I really like them.

After Bamboozle, you’re heading to South Africa. How did that tour come about? Do you guys have friends over there who helped set it up?

BRYAN: We had been talking about wanting to go to South Africa for like the last month before it was scheduled. (laughs)

CHRIS: Yeah, we watched NOFX’s Backstage Passport from South Africa, and it looked pretty cool. We talked to some guys who have toured there…. Henry Rollins said it was awesome. UNDEROATH went there and had a good time. We had some friends at Johannesburg talk to us about getting the shows together.

We have some dates in the Midwest, Pennsylvania, and New York leading up to Bamboozle, Florida and Texas too. Then we have Warped Tour, and after that, we go to South America for a month. Hopefully after that, we get a package deal to do some more touring. We thought about doing a US tour after Warped, but we didn’t want to be touring at the same time as Warped Tour and having to compete with that.

Kris mentioned recently that you re-recorded ‘Fast Times at Drop-Out High’ for the new album. Does that mean the album will have an older End Is Forever feel to it?

CHRIS: We’re definitely progressing forward from the last album, but with a flare of the old ATARIS style to it. Kris fell back in love with a lot of the old songs on his acoustic tour that he was doing. He shied away from that stuff a lot, but after playing them on the solo tour, he fell in love with them again. We are a bunch of punk and metal guys so naturally the stuff we wrote for the new album had an old ATARIS sound to them. I feel like a lot of doubters of THE ATARIS are going to love this album. It’s very reminiscent of Blue Skies and So Long Astoria.

BRYAN: Especially lyrically, the album is a lot like So Long Astoria with the subjects of memories and reflection.

CHRIS: I think the skeptics and the lovers will both really dig it. The lyrics make for a really fun rock album.

With the record industry tanking (as well as our country’s economy), have you guys thought about self-releasing your album or following PENNYWISE’s footsteps of pairing up with an organization like Myspace to offer it online?

CHRIS: We are thinking about a certain record label for the album. We are in talks with several agents, figuring out where to put the new CD. The idea of putting the album out DIY was enticing, but I’d be worried about us having enough push to get the ads and promotional support out that would be enough for it. Perhaps we can do a vinyl with a digital download or something like that. Bands are doing pretty well, but the record labels definitely need to figure out some other way to get albums out better. But anyway, we are looking at some decent-sized labels. I’m hoping we can do a couple good tours and get a good single out there or something.

Chris, you were on Warped Tour back six years ago with one of your old bands, and THE ATARIS were main-stage on that tour. Is it surreal to go from being in one of the bands that played with THE ATARIS to actually being a full-time contributing member to the band?

CHRIS: Surreal is a good way to say it. I’ve been in a lot of different bands, and I have toured on the Vans Warped Tour four or five times now either as a band or a roadie. Our band THE WIDOW JENKINS was in talks with Victory Records and had just booked a big showcase when our singer quit. It kinda worked full-circle for the best though. The old members of THE ATARIS had started a side-project in New York together and left THE ATARIS to pursue that. Kris contacted us about getting old friends together from Indiana and play as an actual band instead of like a Kris Roe-show or something. It worked out very naturally. We had our first show as a full band to 3000 people in Las Vegas. They had us in a hotel, and we had a really good time there. Then I realized “Oh man, we have to play tomorrow.”

BRYAN: We had minimal problems…. Other than technical difficulties with the bass.

CHRIS: Yeah, we borrowed gear from CAROLINA LIAR, who opened the show, because we flew in for the show. We had a bunch of technical difficulties, and it was tuned up high in a country-style sound. (laughs)

Have you talked to Kris much about his recent experience with airplanes being struck by lightning this weekend?

CHRIS: He called before the flight saying he was stuck in the airport in Melbourne with his tour guide because flights were getting delayed by this storm. Then he goes onto this plane, and the thing gets hit by lighting! People were going crazy, thinking they were going to die and stuff. He calls me at like 3 in the morning after they landed and was like, “I just went through the most crazy experience. I miss you guys and love you guys and will see you soon.” (laughs) That’s pretty nuts because Kris has been on like 150 flights, and ten minutes before this flight, he called me, and then immediately when he lands, he calls saying how he loves and misses us. What a crazy thing.

You two have a recording studio together, right?

BRYAN: And we are sitting in it right now! (laughs) It’s called The Gallows.

Aside from your own material, who have you been recording?

CHRIS: We just finished recording a full length for the band CRUSOE. We also just recorded Zephyr and Dreams of University. I teach guitar when I’m home, and Bryan does a lot of the recording. He’s like the head recording guy. We also started recording Chopper (old bassist of EMERY who was also in our band THE WIDOW JENKINS) [Joel Green]’s new solo full-length album. We played some stuff on the record as well. It’s like a bluesy, country type sound.

What do you guys do aside from recording and hanging out with friends and family?

CHRIS: Friends, family, and recording is a good chunk of our time. I watch a lot of TV. Bryan works out a lot.

BRYAN: I work like constantly.

CHRIS: I watch a lot of Ghost Hunters. We’re very much into that paranormal type shit, like ghosts and stuff. We also read a lot. We’re a pretty lame group of guys. (laughs)

Last question to wrap things up: You guys are getting an opportunity to see a lot of the world. What are you looking forward to seeing outside the US?

CHRIS: Africa is going to be especially crazy. We’re planning on swimming with sharks at some point. Our friends over there wants to take us to some beach to see penguins.

BRYAN: We also really want to go to Iceland.

CHRIS: Yeah, we’ve been in talks about going over to Iceland soon. It doesn’t seem like many bands get to go there-

BRYAN: Well, other than Norwegian metal bands. We’re looking at getting over there after the summer hopefully.

CHRIS: We want to definitely see Machu Picchu in South America. We are going to Japan in October for a bit, which will be awesome.

BRYAN: Pretty much going to all these places is awesome.

CHRIS: After a couple weeks of touring, we’ll be in tour-mode and having as much fun as possible. We love playing shows. We’re also looking into possibly coming to Boston around the 26th or 27th of April. We have a friend who owns a tattoo parlor there, and we’re talking with him about doing a show at the Middle East Club. Oh, and we’re possibly doing a weekend in Hawaii and another weekend in Alaska after Warped Tour.

BRYAN: We’re looking at going to Puerto Rico, too.

CHRIS: Maybe Cuba.

BRYAN: I’m not sure if we’re allowed to go there (laughs)

CHRIS: Oh, and we want to get over to China in October as well. Lots of tours coming up!

Thank you to Chris and Bryan for taking time out of recording to talk with us. You can catch all the info on the latest tour schedule of THE ATARIS and news on their new album at www.myspace.com/theataris.