Interviews

Monster Pictures – Kier-La Janisse Interview

With so much happening at Monster Pictures over the past few months we decided to do a little catch up with Kier-La Janisse the Festival Director of Monster Fest. Kier-La chats to us about the recent acquisitions that Monster Pictures were able to make at Cannes. She also chats to us a little about what direction Monster Fest will take this year and of course about the release of the brand new docco ‘Eurocrime’ that she is a producer of.

For more information on where you can purchase the special VHS copy of ‘Eurocrime’ just check out www.celluloidapocalypse.com

You can listen to or download our Kier-La Janisse interview right here.

July 1, 2016 0 comment

Featured Film Interviews

Spoke – Em Baker Interview

written by David Griffiths

An exciting new film festival arrives in Melbourne this year with the Melbourne Documentary Film Festival taking place from the 9-11th of July. Over the next few weeks we will take a look at various films playing at the festival.

Today we chat to Melbourne’s own Em Baker whose documentary ‘Spoke’ is screening at the festival. ‘Spoke’ is a fascinating look at Em’s journey riding from San Francisco to Florida, a journey made more dangerous by the fact that the United States is one of the most dangerous developed country for cyclists to ride in. In our interview with Em we talk to her about the dangers associated with her journey and why she decided to embark on such an epic adventure.

You can listen to or download our Em Baker interview right here.

June 27, 2016 0 comment

Featured Gigs Interviews Music News Rock

Leftover Crack

written by Matt Ryan

Leftover Crack

In Munster #4 we counted down out top 100 LPs of the 2000s. Right up the top was Leftover Cracks 2004 release Fuck World Trade. Combining anarchist punk with a touch of ska, it was a no hold bars assault on every issue the band thought at the time was relevant and they felt needed to be said. Eleven years later Leftover Crack ave followed FWT up with Constructs of the State which while is a long time in between drinks its that good it made the wait worth it. Singer Stza spoke with us and tells us what annoys him, what makes him happy and hassling Fat Mike.

Munster: What was your memories of the 2009 tour of Australia?

Stza: It was bright & sunny in the middle of “winter” while it was freezing in NYC. I can’t wait to come back down. We had a blast.

Munster: What process went into making the new LP Constructs of the State?

Stza:four years of slow, touch & go song writing with on the road band practices because most of the band was split up all around the states. I highly recommend taking your god damn time if you wanna make a decent record…

Munster: How did you get involved with Fat Wreck Chords? Whats it like talking business with Fat Mike?

Stza:We fucking wore Mike down. First we were the gross crusties that he didn’t want at his office, then we were the stinky crusties with the good songs. Then we were the less smelly crusties that had Star Fucking Hipsters & Finally we were quite clean all around, but still crusty & we’ve given him a good LOC record & there’s real talk of NOFX lifting the ban of LOC as a tour opener…

Munster: What lead to the band taking a long break recording?

Stza: A few things. First, I felt like adding a whole record of new material to our already long list of songs that we can’t really cut from our set would be hard to fit in addition to the Choking Victim stuff as well. Also, I was getting really burned out & I needed a big change to keep music a priority in my life & SFH really helped me to express myself in a slightly less serious way & without the weight of all of the vocals to bear.

Munster: Fuck world trade was one of my favourite LPs from the 2000s, 12 years on from that LP what are your thoughts on it?

Stza: I still feel like that is the closest to a “flawless” record that I’ll ever get to be a part of. I can listen to almost every other release & find a “mistake” in either my performance or in the arrangement of a song where I say to myself “That chorus shouldn’t of gone there” or something like that. I feel like the music & lyrics were all well written, performed & recorded. I take the most pride in that album.

Munster: The cover for Fuck World Trade caused a bit of controversy, what do you make of it now? Do you think any publicity is good publicity or do you think it detracted from the music and message you were getting out there?

Stza: I suppose that in retrospect, a lot more people would of given it a listen & enjoyed it if the art were not only simpler, but, more well executed. The graphic designer is quite popular, but left his name out of the art & I don’t blame him, he didn’t do a great job, especially when it came to the cover. I still stand by all of my politics expressed in the lyrics, art & essay of that record. Most people don’t read the bloody essays though…

Munster: Do you cop shit from the authorities when you travel or play gigs?

Stza: We still run into situations where the entire police department of a town will show up & shut down our shows before we get to play. Any interaction with those who hold the power to take away my freedom or hurt me with impunity is a violation of my human rights as far as i’m concerned. Even the piece of shit customs officer that seemed to be joking or “into” whatever he found on the internet about my bands felt the need to tell me that he could keep me there indefinitely when I hinted that I had another flight to catch & I couldn’t fucking say anything…

Munster: What pisses you off in the world right now and the biggest issues we are facing that everyone should be talking about?

Stza: The deep seated & inherent racism prevalent in the world. It’s fucking everywhere. The same with the myth of straight male superiority amongst gender. When & where are we going to find an enlightened community? This shit is getting so old. It’s all tied in with the police & their brutal tactics to reinforce this racist, sexist, homo & trans-phobic status quo.

Munster: On the plus side, what makes you happy/gives you hope for the world?

Stza: Anarchists with sail-boats, sincere activists & our political punk rock community.

Munster: I interviewed Pat from Anti Flag a few years back and he mentioned that promoters and venues owners had approached him at gigs and said along the lines of “we know what you stand for, please don/t preach it here”. Ave you ever been told to keep silent on your political/social views?

Stza: Yes & it only causes me to make more blatant statements concerning my politics.

Munster: If you want to change the world and make a difference, do you think you can do it while running for office or Is it better being on the outside like you do now playing music and giving your message that way?

Stza: I don’t know. I’ve never run for office, but I imagine that there is a lot of compromise involved as opposed to getting to say exactly what I want as it is now.

Munster: Leftover Cracks music rangers from a bit of punk to hardcore to ska and a bit of metal, how do you decide to take a path with a particular song?

Stza: just listen to all kinds of music & never restrict the idea of using any genre as a vehicle for a good melody & more importantly, a good message.

Munster: What were some of your favourite releases from 2015 that we should know about

Stza: Blackbird Raum “Destroying”, Mischief Brew “this is not for children”, G.L.O.S.S. “Demo”, All Torn Up! If you like political hardcore, Days n Daze “rogue taxidermy”, the new At The Gates record, RVIVR, War on Women, PEARS… The list goes on…

Munster: Is there any political party/ politician you support?

Stza: I can’t say because i’m an anarchist, but, there are always a few folks that i’m rooting for.

Munster: What does the Rest of 2016 hold

Stza: After Australia we have the East coast of the U.S. & our first Canadian shows in over a decade this June & July & then we are playing the UK & Europe in August & after that it’s in the air a bit with Japan & Korea, & someplace else that we’ve never been to this fall.

Stza: Might finish an EP with the songs we have leftover from recording “Constructs of the state” as well as talk about Star Fucking Hipsters doing some shows…

Munster: And standard final question, favorite LP by the Fall if you ave one?

Stza: Oh, I just can’t choose… All of them?

Munster: Any parting words?

Stza: See you very soon Australia!

The Drunk Promoter presents Leftover Crack at the Bendigo Hotel

27th March – Bendigo Hotel, Melbourne [18+])
28th March – Bendigo Hotel, Melbourne [AA]

March 3, 2016 0 comment

Featured Interviews Metal Music

Despised Icon Interview

written by David Griffiths

Deatchcore pioneers Despised Icon are back after a four year hiatus. Fans have been excited about the fact that these lords of brutality have been back performing shows but now they cement their comeback with the awesome new release ‘Beast’ (available through Nuclear Blast).

Dave G sat down with Despised Icon vocalist Alex Erian to chat about the band’s comeback and all the ins and outs of ‘Beast’, but Alex also dropped some surprising tour news for Aussie fans during the interview.

You can listen to or download our Despised Icon interview right here.

June 17, 2016 0 comment

Featured Film Interviews

Girl Asleep – Rosemary Myers Interview

written by David Griffiths

Girl Asleep

Girl Asleep is the film that everybody is talking about at the moment. It won the Critics’ Award at the Melbourne International Film Festival and has picked up even more awards since then. Now ahead of the film’s release in cinemas this week Dave G caught up the director Rosemary Myers to see just how hard it was to put together this magnificent film.

You can listen to or download our Rosemary Myers interview right here.

August 30, 2016 0 comment

Featured Film Interviews

The Walking Dead Cast Interview

written by David Griffiths

If you’re an Aussie fan of The Walking Dead, then you will be on the verge of nirvana because two big things are about to happen in your world.

Not only are we only a few weeks away from Season 7 hitting the TV screens, answering the big question who exactly did Negan kill in that finale, but you have also Season Six becoming available on DVD/Blu-Ray/On-Demand on 21^st September through eOne Entertainment.

Well we thought we would bring you this interview with Norman Reedus (the rough and tough Daryl Dixon) and Steven Yeun (Glenn Rhee).

With a hectic schedule away from the set of The Walking Dead, it seems only fitting that the best place to grab an interview with two of the show’s biggest stars is at a convention. Luckily that also meant Reedus and Yeun were in great moods after being presented to their fans and only too happy to talk.

So first of all, what are convention fans like when they run into stars from their favourite show? “They just freak out,” laughs Yuen. “They ask what’s going to happen next. I mean, they’re just [really] into the show. Like, I’m into the show. Sometimes I’ll go to the set, and I’ll watch things that I’m not in being filmed, ’cause I’m just so excited to watch them do it.”

Both men are also in unison when asked what makes the show so damn popular. “It comes down to the writing. It starts with what’s on the page, I think.” says Yuen. “Yeah I think it’s the writing,” nods Reedus. “I think it’s the writing and commitment to the stories that we’re telling. Nobody on the show gives less than 110 percent, ever. Ever.” Yeun adds, “And that goes to crew. That goes to cast. That goes to post.”

Staying on the top of the writing of the show, Reedus admits he doesn’t know how the creative team behind The Walking Dead do it so well. “You know, I’ve directed music videos, short films, I’ve edited them… it’s nothing like this show, though. This is such a juggernaut of — there are so many people that I can’t figure out how they do the dialogue so well, you know what I mean? But as far as my character and storyline, Scott’s always been collaborative. It’s always been a team.”

“There’s some times when I’m like, ‘No, I don’t get that. What does that mean?’, and he’s like, ‘No, no, this doesn’t mean anything, it’s just –‘ And I go, ‘Oh, oh, that’s so good!’ The talks we have at the beginning of the year especially, sort of the midpoint, really do help shape what we’re doing. I mean, Daryl, especially, is not a character in the books. And he was this little bit of this enigma. Jumping into it, I think he’s always been one of the most challenging characters because he’s such a guarded character. So how much do we show of him, and show off who he really is? And who he really is has been changing the whole time, too. It’s been exciting that as he’s been showing more of himself, that we’ve been able to show those changes involved.”

Touching on how deep Daryl is as a character brings the topic around to the fact that while the writers of the show have introduced a number of love interests for him along the way, he has never seemed to act on it. Does Reedus feel that fans or the show’s writers put pressure on for something to happen?

“The writers wouldn’t be pressuring. They would just pull the trigger,” laughs Yuen. “Fan-wise you watch these two groups battle each other, like the Bethels and the Carols,” explains Reedus. “But the amount of fan art that I get off me and Rick making out is… it’s like, ‘what is this?’, you know? Like, we should do a show, a proper art show of the two of us in the bathtub together – I mean, it’s insane. But, the thing is, are they looking for me to have a committed relationship with these people, just to bone them? Like, what am I doing? And the truth is, I don’t know that Daryl is ready to do any of that.”

“And, you know, it’s almost the same as, ‘Are you ever gonna cut your hair on the show?’ Why the hell would I cut my hair? ‘Are you ever gonna take a bath?’ Well, I’m just gonna get dirty again. You know what I’m saying? They go to war, and sometimes I feel bad for whoever. Because what’ll happen is those girls that – that other __ in the Daryl whatever’s – will get, sometimes, bashed. And I’m like, “That’s bullshit. She doesn’t deserve that. I remember when Carol got real badass – I saw this one, and it was like, ‘She doesn’t even need Daryl anymore. She can take care of herself. Daryl’s just a big man-child.’ These people go nuts. It could go on and on and on. But do I feel pressured? Nope.”

Yuen laughs and adds, “And I’d say, the characters on all — I mean, this is a guy who’s pretty damn guarded, and the fact that he now has family – he really does have a family with these people. He’s on a journey.”

Reedus nods and says, “It might not be the most obvious timeline to other people in their life, but Daryl has had a pretty wild life, pretty weird life.”

When touching on the deepness of the characters in The Walking Dead, the talk turns to whether or not ‘specialists’ are brought in to talk to the writers and the actors on how characters might react to the very dramatic circumstances they often find themselves on the show. “Season Three was a really rough season for most of us,” explains Yuen.

“Especially for Carl,” adds Reedus. “I remember Steven was talking about how emotionally distraught he was after the whole scene with the governor, with him, with Glenn and Maggie. It is hard for all of us. And after Carl killed his mom, just these scenes that you don’t remember much, they impact us, as people, so much. We’ve all been through really, really tough places, because of this show.”

Yeun nods and adds, “I’ve said this a few times – you know, there’s a lot of horror, there’s a lot of survival war, there’s a lot of really intense emotional things that happen on this show. And this show has gone on for six years.”

Of course, the guys couldn’t give away any spoilers but when asked about where the characters will head in the new season Yuen quickly answers, “Actually, all of these characters, you generally know where they started, ’cause we’re starting fairly close to where we ended. They’re gonna be very, very far away from that by the end of the season. So, you guys could easily do the math on that. I’m just saying, if you know where they start, they’re not going to be emotionally in the same place by the end of the season. None of these folks.”

So what can they tell us about this Team Rick/Team Morgan divide that seems to be happening? Is that a real thing or just in the fan’s minds? “Well, I will neither confirm nor deny,” laughs Reedus, “but I will say that there are conflicts within this group. I don’t know if Lennie was talking about it at this table or another table, but Lennie is – I mean, what did he say to Daryl? ‘All life is precious.’”

“He shows up at Alexandria, right after Rick has shot Amanda in the face. There seems to be a different approach coming head-to-head. And there’s other characters we know that have pretty strong opinions about all this. So, even if it’s not absolutely exactly Team Morgan and Team Rick, there are conflicts that we’re going to see.”

If you want to see whether Team Rick or Team Morgan come to the fore, make sure you grab your copy of The Walking Dead Season 6 from eOne Entertainment.

September 25, 2016 0 comment

Featured Film Interviews

Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter – Ashley Park Interview

written by David Griffiths

Buzz Magazine’s Dave Griffiths caught up with recently crowned Miss Asia USA Ashley Park and chatted to her about her title and her upcoming role in Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter. So here it is our Ashley Park interview.

First of all, Ashley, thank you for taking the time to do this interview for us and congratulations on your recent crowning.

Thank you very much! I’m happy to do the interview.

Ashley, first of all can I ask you tell us a little bit about how you became Miss Asia USA and what do you have to do while you are the reigning queen?

I was named Miss Korea USA 2015 by Virgelia Productions, which allowed me the opportunity to compete in the Miss Asia USA pageant this past November. After quite a bit of rigorous training and preparation, I was fortunate enough to win the pageant. As reigning queen, I will attend quite a few charity and red carpet events. It is the duty of every titleholder to represent the Miss Asia USA organization and Virgelia Productions with integrity, poise and elegance. I’m definitely excited for a busy and productive year as Miss Asia USA.

I read that your love for acting started at a very early age. Can you tell us how that love begun and what were the films that inspired you want to be an actress while you were growing up?

I would have to say that My Fair Lady stands out as the film that inspired me the most as a child. I memorized every song, and recited all of Eliza Doolittle’s dialogue (accents and all) to my family over and over again. I also owned every Disney Princess movie, and was quite obsessed with memorizing those as well.

Were you one of the students at your High School that was also cast in the school productions? If so what was your favourite character/production that you did?

You know, it’s crazy that I’ve never really done theater. I always wanted to! I remember hearing about auditions for school productions in high school, but I am extremely competitive and tend to only focus on one thing at a time. As much as I wanted to try out, I was on a very rigorous training regimen that required hours of practice every day. As a runner, my main goal at the time was to win every race and to earn a full scholarship to college.

How difficult was your decision to give up on a promising career as an athlete and go to Hollywood to pursue acting?

It was very difficult to give up cross country and track because it had been my life since I was 12. I didn’t really know much else. However, I also knew that it was time to move on because my heart was no longer in it. My only regret is that I wish I would have moved to LA earlier. It was the best decision I’ve ever made!

What was the first role were ever chosen for in Hollywood and how nervous were you when you turned up on set for the first time?

I think the first role I did was a project with some students at my very first acting program in LA. It was actually a very well done short parody video, and we got over a million views within the first week, I believe. I was probably a little anxious, but I mainly just remember having a great time. I recently did another viral video called Wedding Dresses Across Asia on BuzzFeed. These types of videos are always a blast to shoot.

You also got to play a role in the famous Days Of Our Lives, what was it like on set and were you nervous given the show’s popularity?

I was definitely a bit nervous, seeing as it was my first time on a network show. But the actors I met were so nice, and made me feel very comfortable on set. I really enjoyed being on such an efficient set with so many talented people.

One of the latest films you have worked on, Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter, is about to get released in Australia. Can you tell us a little bit about the movie and a little about your character, Rhianna?

It’s a desert sci-fi in the vein of Mad Max and Star Wars. It was actually shot in some of the same locations as Return of the Jedi. My character Rhianna was such a blast to play because she’s tough, but still girly. She has a lot of layers, and it was fun to play around with her many different character traits.

How did you first become involved with Rogue Warrior: Robot Fighter and what was your first reaction after you read the script?

I was the first girl to audition for the role, and was thrilled to find out I’d been cast to play Rhianna. I absolutely loved the script! It’s so much more than just an action film. It has a truly in-depth story that follows Sienna (played by Tracey Birdsall), and her character’s journey to self-discovery.

How challenging did you find it to work on a big scale science fiction film like this?

I actually had a blast! Perhaps because I love a good challenge. We shot on location in the desert, so it was very hot, which was probably the most difficult part. But the cast had such great chemistry, and I loved the challenge of running and climbing all the sand dunes.

Are you a fan of science fiction? If so what movies have you loved over the years?

Of course, but I’m a fan of every genre, I think! I’m such a movie and TV show junkie. In terms of science fiction, I’d have to say Star Wars and Star Trek, of course. I also loved Avatar, Matrix and Her, to name a few. I’m a big fan of the shows Orphan Black, Continuum and Humans.

What was it like working with Neil Johnson, he has really developed a reputation of being one of the best sci-fi directors around at the moment?

Neil is wonderful! He is such a great director, and is so in tune with the actor. He was so relaxed on set, which I think really helps the actors and crew perform at their best level.

Lastly, Ashley, can you tell us about some of the other films that we will be seeing you in shortly?

Certainly. I worked on a feature film recently that will also be released soon, called Day For Night. It’s a wonderful film noir that stars the legendary Lin Shaye, Peter Bogdanovich and Sally Kirkland. My character’s name is Abelie, and I’m so excited to see this wonderful script by Guy J. Jackson come to life. I am also preparing to shoot another desert sci-fi soon, called Trapdoor. It’s a female-focused thriller in the vein of The Descent.

Ashley, thank you so much for your time in doing this interview for us.

January 22, 2016 0 comment

Featured Gigs Interviews Metal Music

Drowning Pool Interview

written by David Griffiths

Yes that’s right music fans the legends that are Drowning Pool are heading back to Australia after a fourteen year absence… in fact that will be here next week. Seeing they are one of his favourite bands we let Dave G sit down and have a chat with CJ Pierce from Drowning Pool. CJ chats about what Australian fans can look forward to as they bring their new show Down Under and also chats about just how much time he loves being able to spend with rock fans.

You can listen to or download our Drowning Pool interview right here.

DROWNING POOL Australian & New Zealand Tour Dates

Sunday 24^th July Auckland – Kings Arms

Tuesday 26^th July Adelaide – The Gov

Thursday 28^th July Brisbane – Max Watts

Friday 29^th July Sydney – Manning Bar

Saturday 30^th July Melbourne – Max Watts

Sunday 31st July Perth – Capitol

Pre-Sale Tuesday 5th April 9:00am AEST to Wednesday 6th April 5:00pm AEST
General On-Sale Thursday 7th April 9:00am AEST

Tickets available from:

http://www.metropolistouring.com/drowningpool

July 19, 2016 0 comment

Featured Gigs Interviews Music

Crystal Waters Interview

written by David Griffiths

Pop sensations The Vengaboys are returning to Australia this October/November to a tour that is already proving to be a sell-out tour. Coming along with them are their friends Tina Cousins, Crystal Waters, DJ Sammy, Whigfield, Sonique and Joanne. Buzz Magazine’s Dave Griffiths caught up with Crystal Waters to chat about the tour and what it has been like for her to record some of the most recognizable club anthems of all time.

You can listen to or download our Crystal Waters interview right here.

May 20, 2016 0 comment

Featured International Interviews Music Rock

The Queers

written by Matt Ryan

Munster: Please tell us what has been happening in the Queers camp in 2015 so far.

Joe: Eh just doing weekend shows mainly so far this year. Heading out for a longer tour this fall.

Munster: Are you guys working on any new material?

Joe: Yep I’m working on songs now. We’re hoping to record in September for the new album!

Munster: I read an interview were you mentioned you worked some winters on your brothers fishing boat and you once owned a café/restaurant, when not touring do you ave a day job?

Joe: I actually had a job for 2 months that I just quit 2 weeks ago. I hadn’t worked in years and I’ve been wanting to get something to stay busy and have some additional income while I’m not touring so I got a courier job in Atlanta. I never did anything like it-it kind of sucked but felt good to work at the same time. I’m hoping to get a catering/cooking job I could work now and then. I can’t have a steady job cos we tour so much. I miss cooking so I want to do that again. I’ll find something. I miss working on the boat-if I lived in NH I’d be doing it right this moment probably. My wife didn’t care for living in NH tho so we’re stuck in Georgia for now at least.

Munster: When I first heard the Queers it was when I heard Love songs for the Retarded, and I love how there were a lot of great fun punk tracks, but it also had two slower more serious tracks, and other albums had that theme of a bunch of short fun tracks but a slower one or two. Was that a testament to the saying if it aint broken down fix it?

Joe: Eh yeah honestly I never thought much about albums as far as messages or slow vs fast songs. We just recorded the songs we had done and that’s how the album came out. They’re never thought out much.

Munster: With the slower tracks, is that just what came out when you wrote them, or was it trying to be a more serious songwriter?

Joe: Yeah I just write what comes out.I have song titles I save and when I work on new songs just go to the list and work off that. I usually start with the chorus of a song and work backwards. Once I have a catchy chorus I know the song will be good and I finish the rest.

Munster: What process went into recording your last studio album Back to the Basement?

Joe: We deliberately recorded it real raw and primitive. Didn’t use a click track or cut and paste anything together. We wanted to record like we did in the old days. We’d get in the studio,tune up and then play the song and tape it. If it was ok we’d keep it. None of this cutting and pasting shit together and fixing sour notes-we went for the feel of the recording. If we ended it and looked at each other and said that felt good-we kept it. Nowadays songs are void of emotion-if the drummer kept a pretty good beat with the kick drum we’ll keep it and cut and paste the rest of the shit together. It’s just too ‘perfect’ sounding. Every hair is in place and no emotion. So on BTTB we went for the feel and emotion-we sped up here and slowed down a little there-had a few sour notes-but we kept it if we liked that take. Like the instrumental Rollerdog has a few sour notes but we left it just as we recorded it cos it’s a great take. Psychedelic Mindfuck speeds up a lot towards the end but it really fits the song so we kept it like that. Yeah we could have done another take and kept a straighter tempo but it wouldn’t sound anywhere near as good. That’s my fave song on that album-that and Rollerdog. Both are really great songs in my estimation. If we had done that album back when we did Beat Off in the mid 90’s it would be considered a huge Queers’ classic. As it was it kind of flew under the radar by a lot of our fans cos they didn’t understand where we were coming from. It was deliberately raw. Those 2 songs and Everyday Girl are 3 of my best songs I’ve written. I love I Knew GG When He Was a Wimp and I’m Pissed too. Fucked in the Head I want to redo-it should have been longer. It’s a killer song but too short.

Munster: You mentioned in an interview for a Russian art site that you were proud of the fact you were offered big tours, such as NOFX, Bad Religion and Warped and you turned them all down. Where do you draw the line between being true and selling out?

Joe: I draw the line at doing shit I don’t want to do just to make money. I have never done that. I see a ton of bands that have taken all sorts of tours opening up for shitty bands just to ‘further’ their career. It’s sickening. We do really well on our own-I don’t have to go open up for some band I hate just to try to ‘make it in the biz’. Fuck that shit. I’m not saying we’re better than those bands but we’re just as good. I don’t respect some of those other bands you mentioned anyway so I would never whore myself to open up for them.

Munster: I was on a punk panel recently, and the question of the panel was is punk still relevant, so i/ll ask it to you, is it still relevant?

Joe: Oh yeah it’s still going strong. It’s morphed out into other genres-the crappy horror/Misfits thing-the ska thing-the Social D greaser thing-the moronic Irish/drunkard thing-the crappy ex-jock’s-who-grew-up-on-heavy metal-but-are-now-punks thing-eh there are all sorts of different genres. But you have Punk Rock Bowling-Riot Fest-all sorts of these little scenes that are all going great. Denver-SF-Phoenix-Texas-Chicago-Boston/NY/east coast…………they’re all big scenes for punk.

Munster: I recently read the book about Lookout Records which you contributed to, what was that like looking back on that period of the band and your life?

Joe: Eh no biggie. The guy asked me questions and I answered-he emphasized certain things too much I thought and missed a ton but then he wasn’t there so he wouldn’t know anyway. It was nice he did it though I thought. It was a kickass scene back in the day.

Munster: the end of Lookout for the Queers maybe wasn/t the happiest of splits, but you mentioned your still friends with the guys involved with the label, do you still keep in touch with those guys?

Joe: Larry and I email back and forth. I miss seeing him tho he travels a lot and we always seem to miss each other. Chris and I emailed last year. I really miss Chrisser a lot-he was fun to talk to about music. Great guy. Pat I lost touch with but yeah Chris and Larry are 2 solid guys and were really behind the band when we were on Lookout. We had come back to do Pleasant Screams-one last album on Lookout before they went belly up so by the time the label kind of went down the tubes we were pretty much gone anyway. It was a bummer tho. I really wish I could win the lottery and start the label back up with Chris and Larry again.

Munster: You wrote a song called I knew GG when he was a wimp. Did you know GG back in the day?

Joe: Of course-I didn’t just make it up. We were both from NH.

Munster: I see your doing a bunch of shows with Screeching Weasel, that must be a cool feeling, that you and Ben ave been friends for many years and your still shearing a bill together.

Joe: Yeah with MTX too! Always a fun time with Weasel. Great to see Ben playing again. Same with Dr Frank.

Munster: If you started the Queers in 2015 do you think you could reach the level of success in say 20 years from now?

Joe:Hell no. Luckily we were in the right time at the right place. Tho we had great songs too. We weren’t as consistent as other bands but we had our moments. We fit right in at Lookout in the early 90’s though.

Munster: Was reading that Love songs for the Retarded sold 50,000 copies, today bands would kill to sell that amount. Why do you think aside from the internet record sales aint that high anymore?

Joe: Aside from the internet? I think that’s the main reason right there. The ease with which kids can download music hurts. It’s too bad. Man opening an album for the first time is great. That smell and the feel and everything was so important. You’d just devour everything in the liner notes too. Way different than just downloading a song now.

Munster: Is playing all over the place the only way to get exposure and for people to take notice of your band these days?

Joe:Well it’s one of the main ways I’ll say that anyway.

Munster: For me, music has been an escape from the real world, and that’s why I loved the Queer, and other punk bands like the Ramones, Hard Ons, Dickies, Mach Pelican as it was fun all the time, what do you think of punk bands trying to be serious/political?

Joe: Oh I never went for that shit. It’s so arrogant of bands to act like they’re that much smarter than the audience and they have this huge ‘message’ to share. Those bands all preach and talk down to the audience. Punk to me was being equal-the bands and audience were all on the same plane. No one was talking down to anybody else. Going to a punk show is the last place I’m going to find out about who to vote for or what to think. I can do my own thinking thank you. Just cos some moron can tune a guitar and crawl onstage doesn’t give him the right to tell me who to vote for or what to think. Honestly I think the whole political thing is a schtick anyway. Bands don’t have shit to say so they go political. Like they really even care. Instead of being in a metal band or whatever they turn political. Fuck all political bands. They suck.

Munster: Which bands are you currently listening to that we should know about?

Joe: Eh I am listening to mainly Beach Boys Today lately. Also been getting into some really old songs like Billy Murray ‘I Wonder Who’s Kissing Her Now’ and Gene Austin ‘She’s Funny That Way’. ‘Oceana Roll’ by Billy Morton. Early turn of the century stuff. I used to play trumpet and was in the jazz/dance band so I enjoy listening to these old songs and how they were written. ‘Are You From Dixie’ by Billy Murray. Love that stuff.

Munster: After all these years what keeps being in the Queers fun?

Joe: Oh I’ve made a career out of it so it’s basically what gets me out of bed in the morning. Playing music is exciting. Not every minute is great but you never know what’s around the bend in the river. I already have enough projects to get me into next year and my life has been like that for years. Another album and tour and getting to see pals I have all around the world. It was what I dreamt of when I was younger.

Munster: Any chance you/ll be coming back to Oz anytime soon?

Joe: I’d love to. I have to talk to Blackie and Ray. They suggested coming down on my own and they’d be my band and we could do a few shows that way. Or I was emailing Atsu from Mach Pelican and they suggested the same thing-I fly down and they could be my band. That’s contingent on Mach Pelican even being able to do a tour. I guess they’re not really a band any longer which sucks. They’re a good band. But yeah I’ll have to explore that. I’d definitely be up for a trip down there again. Only went once. It was great.being able to do a tour. I guess they’re not really a band any longer which sucks. They’re a good band. But yeah I’ll have to explore that. I’d definitely be up for a trip down there again. Only went once. It was great.

Munster: Whats up next for your guys?

Joe:Shows this weekend with MTX and Screeching Weasel out west in California. Then we’re doing a few other US shows in August. Then a Nobodys/Queers’ tour in the US. Then we’ll record a new album out in California. I’m definitely going to Europe this winter. Working on a new side project band with some really special musicians but I can’t say anymore cos I don’t want to jinx it. We’ll see.

Munster:And last question I ask everyone, favorite album by the Fall, if you ave one?

Joe: The Fall? Hmm don’t have one I’m sorry to say. Only had one album by them but can’t recall what it was.

Munster: Any final thoughts?

Joe: Yes if anyone has any ideas on how to get The Queers to Australia please let me know. I’d love to come down again for some shows

August 5, 2015 0 comment