Punks on Politics: Getting to know Mel Gagarin

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.

Time and Pressure on their new album

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.

Hugo Mudie on collaborations and anniversaries

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.

Self-empowerment lessons and battling sickness with MakeWar

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.

Update regarding accident involving Off With Their Heads

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.

Passing the torch with Matt Pless

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.

Lori of Acid King on 'Busse Woods,' chances, and guitar tone

Acid King play crushing, low, rumbling, ominous stoner metal. For twenty six years now, they've been reveling in the psychedelic, heavy low end. And, not only that, this year is the twentieth anniversary of one of their more iconic freight trains, the massive 46 minute, six track Busse Woods. Inspired by what would go down on the outskirts of Chicago, the album would go on to define midwest metal and serve as the band's first true victory.

With the album hitting two decades this year, the band is touring and playing the album live. And, they've also re-released the beast with some bonus tracks (including a Motorhead cover!) To that end, Punknews' John Gentile spoke to guitarist/vocalist Lori S about the album, the woods, and drugs. Check out the interview below.

The Path's Jon Berg on the band's new album

The Path are a shot in the arm to the hardcore punk genre. Adhering closely to a DIY ethos, the Vermont band are at once harkening back to the chaotic assault of Nausea and Black Flag, and modernizing the sound with their own style. With the release of the first full-length, Chaotic Good, on State of Mind Recordings, The Path are primed to bring their highly personal and sociopolitical sound to a wide range of listeners. Punknews' Mike Musilli caught up with frontperson Jon Berg to talk the band, Vermont hardcore, his Long Island roots, and new the record.

Russ Rankin of Good Riddance on the band's new LP

Russ Rankin is the frontman of long-running Santa Cruz hardcore punk band Good Riddance and bicoastal supergroup Only Crime. He talked with Punknews staff writer Tyler Barrett while driving through the hills and backroads of central California about the new Good Riddance album (Thoughts and Prayers out now on Fat Wreck Chords), what it’s like as a punk rocker after 50, and how Gwen Stefani maybe did or didn’t steal the phrase “Tragic Kingdom” from a 1990 Good Riddance demo.

Top 100 Albums of 2000-2009 #1 Pick Interviews (part 5)

During the polling for the Top 100 Albums of 2000-2009, 17 different Punknews staffers contributed, and we ended up with 17 different #1 picks for Best Album of the Decade. I engaged in "interviews" (more like conversations) with many of the poll's participants to talk about their #1 picks. These resulted in a discussions that are as varied and dynamic as the contributors themselves.

Today are the final two interviews in the series.

Top 100 Albums of 2000-2009 #1 Pick Interviews (part 4)

During the polling for the Top 100 Albums of 2000-2009, 17 different Punknews staffers contributed, and we ended up with 17 different #1 picks for Best Album of the Decade. I engaged in "interviews" (more like conversations) with many of the poll's participants to talk about their #1 picks. These resulted in a discussions that are as varied and dynamic as the contributors themselves.

Over the course of the week Punknews will be presenting these interviews for your enjoyment.