Punknews writer David "Punkbanker74" Wilkins recently caught up with April Hartman of Apes of the State, to chat about sobriety, the birth of the "Apes," and their hilarious, yet eye opening, publicity stunt around the release of one of their singles.
For over 20 years, the Italian trio LATTE+ have been spreading their brand of Ramones inspired punk rock throughout various venues all over Europe. For their newest album, the band is attempting to reach a more global audience with their first American vinyl release via ProRawk Records, a DIY label based out of the Chicago area. Punknews' Pete Vincelli had a chance to chat with guitarist and lead vocalist, Chicco. Check out the interview below.
We are pleased to bring to you a Punknews exclusive artist on artist interview between bassist Rookie Rochelle of Long Beach, NY’s The New Rochelle and drummer Richie Ramone. See below to check out the conversation.
On November 8th my bandmates in The New Rochelles and I (Rookie Rochelle) released a full cover album of Ramones 9th studio album Animal Boy on Hey Pizza! Records. This had been a passion project that we had been working on for a long time and the excitement of it finally being released has been overwhelming. It is no surprise that I wear my influences on the sleeve of my LJ, so being part of a project like this felt right and I hope the die-hard Ramones fans worldwide will enjoy our version for years to come. I am excited to bring you an interview I conducted with Richie Ramone. Drummer of The Ramones from ’83 - ’87, author, actor, relentless touring musician and all-around great guy. Sit back, put on your favorite Ramones t-shirt, blast our version of Animal Boy, crack open a Budweiser and check out the interview.
In November Punknews writer Jason Baygood caught up with Gabriel Franco of Portland's Idle Hands at their Chicago stop while on tour with the legendary King Diamond. In the interview they talk about Franco's past, Idle Hand's present and future, as well as what is happening with the New Wave of Traditional Heavy Metal (NWOTHM).
Punknews’ Eric Rosso caught up with Vinnie Caruana on his most recent solo tour at its Philadelphia stop. Vinnie Caruana released his latest solo effort Aging Frontman earlier this year on Know Hope Records. The pair talked about the decision that led him to scrap an entire album before the release, the writing process behind Aging Frontman, and caught up on future plans with the prolific frontman’s other band I Am The Avalanche.
Some of the most prolific reactions and statements to the current and historical political histories has been made by punks. Punks have been making protest songs and jabs at the political state in hopes for change. With that in mind it is no coincidence that there has been an ongoing rise of passionate and bright alternative folks who are running against the current regime. Mel Gagarin, singer and guitarist of New York City punk band Scarboro announced in July, Mel for Progress, his run for congress in the Sixth Congressional District in Queens, New York. Editor Samantha Barrett sat with Mel Gagarin to chat about his run for office.
Saint Louis’s Time and Pressure are a hardcore band focused on contemplation and earnestness. While those concepts aren’t all that foreign to the genre, Time and Pressure bring a depth to their song-writing that is at once refreshing and encouraging. For those who like their hardcore punk a bit more complex than brawny breakdowns and mundane lyrics, Time and Pressure is a welcome band. The band’s debut full-length, The Gateway City Sound, offers the listener eleven well-written tracks that capture the aggressive energy of hardcore while also offering some subtly potent lyrical content. Pumknews' Mike Musilli sat down with drummer Travis and vocalist Drew to talk the new record and Saint Louis hardcore.
Montreal’s finest Hugo Mudie has been stirring up punk chaos for the last 20+ years. He is a creator of the very successful punk festival Pouzza Fest and singer of Saint Catherine. He is an influential yet very humble fixture in a scene that is thriving. Editor Samantha Barrett sat down with Hugo Mudie to talk about his new collaboration with DFL, Pouzza Fest turning 10, and his band turning 20.
On Friday, October 11th, Punknews editor Jeff Sorley met up with MakeWar at the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ before their set to talk about their new album, their new drummer, and the power of positive thinking. There was serious discussion, a lot of laughter, and maybe too much ribbing of Matty the new drummer for looking so young.
A transcript of that interview, lightly edited, follows.
On Monday Dying Scene posted an article providing details regarding the accident in Vancouver which involved a woman being dragged several blocks by the Off With Their Heads tour van. The article includes information provided by Vancouver Police Department media spokesperson Sgt. Aaron Roed, and was updated a short time later with a transcript of a statement by Sgt. Roed outlining new details in the accident. Following that article, Punknews contacted the VPD to clarify several statements, as well as with several follow-up questions, and received a response from Sgt. Roed.
In his response, Sgt. Roed is very succinct, and only confirmed that the investigation is still ongoing, and that there is now evidence indicating that the victim walked between the van and the trailer while it was stopped in traffic. (you can see a transcript of Sgt. Roed's response at the bottom).
In Vancouver in the early morning of October 12th, Off With Their Heads tour van was involved in a gruesome accident where a pedestrian was dragged several blocks, causing serious injury to her head, face and limbs. The victim, identified by her family as Desiree Evancio, is still in serious condition having undergone at least four life-saving operations thus far, and is expected to have many more surgeries in the future. The driver of the vehicle was detained and released by VPD after the incident.
After the accident, OWTH cancelled the remaining dates of their tour, including their appearance at the The Fest 18.
This is a developing story.
Punknews' David Wilkns recently spoke with solo musician Matt Pless (formerly of 3 Prong Outlet), who released his new album Nero on September 13th through Paper + Plastic Records. David gets a chance to ask about Matt's recently completed massive 3-month tour, working with Vinnie Fiorello (Less Than Jake, Paper+Plastic founder), and the future of Matt Pless among other things.