The long awaited debut LP from NYC’s FLOWER “Hardly A Dream” is finally set to arrive.
FLOWER’s tedious approach to writing/creating/drawing their debut LP was carefully thought out and the result is a monumental anarcho punk /crust record.
“Hardly A Dream” Takes us on a bleak journey through the dark side of society. As soon as you drop the needle a dark atmosphere is immediately created with a slow intro featuring arpeggio guitar work that builds into pummeling d-beat crust. The albums vocals then leave you with a feeling of being crushed by the ever-present weight of living through our modern world of late stage capitalism that was built on the falsehoods of the so called American dream, religious hypocrisy’s, nationalism, and the greed of humankind.
FLOWER take many cues from predecessors and are most often (and rightfully so) compared to NAUSEA but they also take a heavy influence from ANTISECT, SACRILEGE & other greats. The artwork has a very RUDIMENTARY PENI feel and the record comes with an amazing 24.5 X 34.75 CRASS style poster jacket. All art work was meticulously hand drawn and overseen by the guitarist Willow in true DIY style and spirit. Willow was also cool enough to draw up a special shirt for the record release featuring an alternative PROFANE EXISTENCE backprint!
Dark, heavy, galloping crust from the streets of London. AGNOSY is back to present us with a ferocious beast of an album that can only be forged by the anger and frustration of living in today’s world. “When Daylight Reveals The Torture” aggressively attacks evils such the current rise of fascism and animal abuse. It intelligently and passionately touches on the Afrin invasion and the revolution in Rojava and shows nothing but utter disgust toward the arrogance of humankind’s lust for greed and power that will inevitably lead us down paths of war and environmental devastation.
AGNOSY – Live at SCUMFEST in London. 2011
While lyrically AGNOSY are much more politicly straight forward this time around than on previous releases, musically they have expanded on their sound to create a dark and moody atmosphere while at the same time staying crust as fuck. To say they know what they are doing would be an understatement from this band of vets whose members have played in HIATUS, HEALTH HAZARD, and BEGINNING OF THE END.
Long galloping intros are followed up by traditional d-beat, fierce solo’s are then meet with vicious vocals and pulverizing bass in a brilliant recording captured by Lewis Johns at The Ranch Production House and was mastered by Brad Boatright at Portland’s legendary Audiosiege. We then pressed on deluxe heavyweight 150-gram vinyl, printed on reverse board jackets, and included an 11in x 22in gatefold insert to bring you a high quality and truly epic record.
PROFANE EXISTENCE – PO BOX 647 – HUNTINGTON WV – 25711 – UNITED STATES
The legendary crust classic is now available once again!
Authorized and released in cooperation with MISERY, S.D.S., & MCR Japan & Remastered by Jack Butcher at Enormous Door Studio we are beyond proud to make one one the most rare and sought after crust records available once again.
Fuck the scavengers charging punks exuberant amounts of cash on ebay and discogs. We worked meticulously with both bands and with Jack at Enormous door to bring you an updated version that kicks major audio ass while maintaining the original authenticity.
Released on deluxe 150 gram vinyl. With an 11×11 inner sleeve. Black Paper Jacket. Reverse Board Jacket.
Earlier this year we re-issued this legendary LP and sold over 950 copies in just 4 short months. For this second pressing we pressed 490 copies on Krystal Clear & 485 on Grey Vinyl with Black Mist.
Crystal Clear (Bullet belt no included) Grey With Black Mist (Bullet belt no included) PROFANE EXISTENCE – PO BOX 647 – HUNTINGTON WV – 25711 UNITED STATES
Stench crust the way it was meant to be played!
The UK crust scene of the 1980’s inspired band after band but no other band has ever reincarnated the sound of that time as well as SWORDWIELDER. Quite simply if you like crust, then this the album you have waited decades for.
Review by Craig Hayes from “Your Last Rites”… Swordwielder – System Overlord Heavyweight punk fanatics take note: System Overlord is a fucking triumph. The long-awaited sophomore album from Gothenburg stenchcore band Swordwielder is a brooding behemoth, constructed from the filthiest and heftiest strains of punk and metal. System Overlord shimmers with apocalyptic visions, and it’s overflowing with all the grim atmospherics and intimidating intensity that defines consummate crushing crust.
Too much hype? No way… And no apologies, either. Swordwielder deal in definitive stenchcore on System Overlord, and much like their full-length debut, 2013’s Grim Visions of Battle, the band’s latest release is a knockout. Swordwielder’s harsh, gruff and dark sound owes a significant debt to old school icons like Amebix, Axegrinder, Deviated Instinct, and Antisect, and they mix and mangle their influences and leave ’em to rot on the battlefield.
Plenty of hammering rage drives System Overlord tracks like “Violent Revolution,” “Savage Execution” and “Cyborgs,” and thundering epics like “Corrupt Future” and “Northern Lights” exhibit subtler strengths, mixing guttural growls and clean vocals with crashing percussion and dirge-laden riffs. Connoisseurs of corpse-dragging crust will love the brute-force belligerence of “Absolute Fear,” “Nuclear Winter,” and “Second Attack,” which rain down like merciless mortar barrages. As a rule, all of System Overlord‘s mammoth tracks chug and churn with grinding muscle, while reeking of squalor and decay.
Swordwielder exudes tightly coiled aggression from start to finish here—songs rise from the ashes of desolation, and resounding calls for action and resistance ring loud. If you’re a fan of heavy-hitters like Fatum, War//Plague, Carnage, Zygome, Cancer Spreading or (insert your favorite hefty crust crew here), System Overlord‘s trampling tempo and strapping sound are bound to appeal.
WILT combine old school metal and crust in a perfect hybrid that very few others have ever achieved. Prepare for a LP thats equal parts galloping d-beat crust reminiscent of bands like HELLSHOCK, and INSTINCT OF SURVIVAL, meets old school death metal in the vein of BOLT THROWER, MEMORIAM (old) SEPULTURA.
Here is a track from the upcoming LP
“Sermon for the Bootlickers”
Despite the inculcation of helplessness within each there remains great power. Ill at ease with such makes us ill. Learn to see the hand that feeds for what it is. You’ve been fooled if you think you’ve got no power. Refuse to be reduced to a consumer you’re a human being. Define yourself by more than wealth. Define yourself as a human. You don’t need what you’re being sold. Bend your knee to no authority but your own mind. You have the power to avoid the gilded trap. Avarice is what you’re conditioned for. Break the mold discover what’s really valuable to you.
WILT will be on in Europe this July / August will ELECTROZOMBIES From Chile
Wed, July 12 Hanover / Germany / Confirmed Thu, July 13 Bremen Fri, July 14 Mulhem / Germany / Confirmed Sat, July 15 Gent, Belgium / CrustPicnic / Confirmed Sun, July 16 Paris / France or Amsterdam / Nederland July 18 North-East France or West Germany July 19 Freiburg / Germany TBC July 20 Winterthur / Switzerland Fri, July 21 Zurich / Switzerland Sat, July 22 Biel / Switzerland July 23 Lausanne or Geneva / Switzerland
July 24 Geneva / Switzerland or Grenoble france
July 25 Treviso (or Milano or Bologna or Verona) / Italy
July 26 Ljubljana Slovenia Confirmed
July 27 No Sanctuary chilling day
Fri, July 28 NoSanctuary Confirmed
Sat, July 29 NoSanctuary Confirmed
July 30 Ilirska Bistrica/Slovenia or Vienna/Austria or Budapest/Hungary.
July 31 Wiena / Austrai or Budapest or / Slovakia
August 1 Brno / Czech Republic.
August 2 Prague / Czech Republic
August 3 Finsterwalde / Germany TBC
Fri, August 4 Leipzig / Germany TBC
Sat, August 5 Berlin / Germany / confirmed
August 6 Dresden
August 7 Wroclaw / Poland
August 8 Warsaw / Poland
August 9 Poznan / Poland
August 10 Szczecin/Poland TBC
Fri, August 11 Rostock / confirmed
Sat, August 12 Hamburg TBC
For this in the Seattle or surrounding area you can catch WILT this Saturday April first at Highline Bar with NOOTHGRUSH from Oakland.
i hate hate, jesus was a communist, in the thirsty hour, etc
Days before the band left for London, while still in Louisville, I sent Nico a note regarding how much I appreciated the spreadsheets he made for the upcoming Reagan Youth European Tour. He told me he was going to file that under “things he never thought a singer would say”. I then told him I was to be on bail while playing the next nine overseas shows. So much for breaking the mold.
Late July was a disaster. I had ten grand and two felonies hanging over my head. So I did what any reasonable person would have done. I caught a flight to Heathrow Airport in London on August 5th, 2014 to spread Dave’s gospel and better understand our world the best I could.
All the love in the world to my folks and brother who helped me all the way to the airport as opposed to awaiting jail sandwiches and juice boxes. I love you three goofballs. I really do.
postcard from the edge
The Flights and London, England
After tying up loose ends before leaving the country for fifteen daze, goodbyes and all, I was flown to O’Hare Airport in Chiraq. En route to London I noticed I was surrounded by young missionaries from the Church of Latter Day Saints (read Mormons). We chatted regarding beliefs, both mine and theirs. It was agreed the words of any good book makes sense and I was proud of them for taking on a two year mission across the Atlantic. They got Rome as their station, which should be interesting with the Vatican and all. I remember it was said “it is interesting at what lengths people will go for what they believe”. So true I thought as I tied up my turban and fell asleep.
The waiting room at Heathrow airport at 8am was not enticing. The bus to downtown London, however, was screaming my name. I was the first to land that morning, so I decided to see some sights. I had to visit Buckingham Palace and see those guards with those insane hats while keeping the notion of monarchy alive. I made friends on the coach and we went to watch people from all over the world as they gazed upon the palace. As I finished a cigarette under Queen Victoria Statue, I flicked the butt up over the steps and onto the sidewalk. All the faces from all over the world were now gazing at me. It was here I learned how Europe frowns upon littering and my first lesson on why the world finds America obnoxious. Turns out they kinda hit that one right on the head.
jet lagged and together in camden, england
Camden, England
I mixed up everything and thought the first show was the following day. Turns out it was in a few hours. Meanwhile I got deeper into London than planned and fell out on a park bench. Everyone was meeting at Nico’s Dad’s flat and enough time had passed where I should have been in touch with the band. Without a phone, I caught a bus back to Buckingham in hope of finding a free computer in a cafe or something. While making a bus transfer, I noticed a brand new iPhone on the sidewalk right where the bus let off. Fukkin’ brilliant! I mention this only because THAT BECAME MY LIFELINE FOR THE ENTIRE TOUR. Paul has said more than once that God must be a Reagan Youth fan because things like this happen all the time on tour. My inbox was full of emails telling me “I hope you landed ‘cuz the show is today!” and “where the fukk are you?” etc…. Well, let’s rush along to Camden and start this crazy thing.
testing… now what does sound check mean again??
I arrived early at The Underworld and led backstage to properly crash out. Next thing I heard New York accents asking “is that Trey??” My sore eyes were glad to have seen Tibbie-X, Staten Island Greg, and Paul Cripple. We quickly caught up then went for a stroll along the streets to visit the shops before sound check. Well, we plug up and play, but the clubs still call it sound check. I was pleased to be around more or my own kind as Paul got into a dispute with a French shop owner after knocking over a display in search of a price tag. On the sidewalk he began to scream “nobody shop here!” oh so loud over and over again. Christ RY has landed in England. I met Tom, Nico’s father, and understood where my man Nico was coming from a tad bit more than before. Dr. Tom wrote very detailed volumes of Turkish history. Paul and Tom chatted so much pre-World War I Europe all I could do was listen in awe.
This gig was the first time we had all played since June with the Dead Kennedys. Plus we were sharing the stage with some old acquaintances, the Street Dogs. We caught up and laughed a bit. Tibbie began talking about prescription pills as I brewed this Somalian bodega tea in a coffee maker, which was acquired earlier that day. It caused me to pack and unpack my bag relentlessly for no good reason. We noticed that the bands were watching us in a quiet backstage area. Two new members replacing deceased originals while having meltdowns on substances must be difficult to ignore. Tib’z and I noticed this along the way in England, but when you are in a punk band from another land, what did we expect??
a pack of rolled cigarettes is how much?
The show was amazing with a huge Wednesday night crowd, lots of love, and best of all, we played very well. Thank God we played the songs correctly, but then again I or the band won’t let the music or Dave’s message down; we respect it far too much. Afterwards Mike from Prague offered me a beer outside the venue. I had to say yes as he was the first European to openup about life in this new continent, its customs, and ways of the land. After the gig we caught the train and a cab to Dr. Tom’s, where we fell asleep in preparation for Blackpool and RebellionFest.
here’s another clue for you all, the walrus was never paul
Northbound Transit & Blackpool, England
I awoke on the floor, sat up to overlook the front window, and was told the black van outside was here for the band. Tom Saunders, our driver and colleague, was here to take us within a hundred miles of the Scottish border, to a city near Manchester. Blackpool was its name and where RebellionFest was held. We said our goodbyes while boarding and… lights out. We got caught in traffic sometime later right as we hit Birmingham, the home of BLACK SABBATH!!! Hours later the sight and smells of the ocean were in the air when we entered, as Tom said, the Las Vegas of England.
We knocked on the door of our new lodgings to be greeted by Jerry, very jolly and had one tooth in his head. He ran the Del Rosa Inn, which was one of many to host the Punx in town for the Festival. As dusk hit the English beach community, we went to the Winter Gardens to mingle and catch The Dickies play. But first we settled into a single room with five beds and a sink, with the WC down the hall. It was all so Eurotrip I wanted to squeal! We followed the fish & chip stands that littered the boardwalk towards the sounds of drums.
Interesting side note, if you are ever in Great Britain – THE CARS COME FROM THE LEFT AND NOT THE RIGHT. Also, as the cars sped towards me while crossing an intersection – THERE ARE NO PEDESTRIAN RIGHT OF WAY LAWS. This makes more sense in practice. I was rolling my own cigarettes at this point since tobacco was so expensive. I vaguely understood why an influx of migrants fled to the new world to grow their own. ‘Cuz they be taxin’!
10,000 years from the del rose inn
We mingled on the sidewalk as we learned the box office was closed. This meant it was too late to distribute wristbands. Yea, like this had stopped us before. Tibbie and I went out back where we ran into the Street Dogs. They slid their wristbands onto our forearms. Once more we felt like everything we said was anything but ordinary as they once again gave those baffled looks while we rambled on and on. We went inside and caught The Dickies set. Upon seeing the size of the arena (while getting lost over and over), we knew we had to up our game. When watching the band I heard a voice ask “Trey Oswald??”… Now who knows me in Blackpool? My man Mo from St Louis and Scene of Irony all the way from Missouri, that’s who! We all caught up and laughed before retiring to the Inn.
pondering mortality and the fate of atlantis
RebellionFest
Reagan Youth was the second headliner on the second main stage. We went on before Stiff Little Fingers, who headlined the main stage. I read this on the program understanding we had a few moments to breakdown after our set before they played. Wait… one moment… we are getting ahead of ourselves. Let’s go back to the morning on the Friday of Rebellion…
you mean to tell me frank sinitra played the gardens? sinatra??
We split up as we walked along the sunny boardwalk, where Tom and I ended up spending an afternoon together after breakfast. Tom explained some of the English’s views on the United States. It was similar in many respects, for each side saw the other as, how did we put it… hipper than the other. You know how in the States it is considered by many to be exotic to be British? Yea, same with American culture in England. We all want what we can’t have. Shame so many of our own people are so naive about a country who has such an amazing record as the British. Think about it! The sun still never sets on the English speaking empire. The country may have fared the sea more than land when you consider this. Also much respect to the country that brought us The Rolling Stones, The Who, Emerson Lake & Palmer, Sex Pistols, X, Damned, PIL, etc… point taken?? My company, the Guinness, and the Atlantic could have kept me all day but the fest awaits!!
hey pose for rebellion radio real quick. anything will do!
I entered wearing my turban, denim, bandannas, while wrapped in the religious tapestry featuring the Virgin Mary as Lady de Guadalupe. We were taken all over the Winter Gardens and thru crowds of punx in search of the onsite radio station ran by Del. He sang in Peter and the Test Tube Babies. In typical RY fashion, we were also a day late for the interview. Del was cool enough to laugh it off. It’s also only punk rock, right?? Paul and I ate food in the backstage area and afterwards got lost every time we turned down a corridor.The size of this venue cannot be emphasized enough. The punx I gave all the wristbands to from the night before met up front by the stage. OK nerves and all go out the fukkin ‘window. We plugged in before the massive auditorium, packed to the brim, guardrail and monitors and giant spotlights and all.
The punx I met out on the sidewalk the prior evening when told by the bouncers we couldn’t enter the fest due to lack of wristbands were up front cheering us on as we opened with Degenerated. We have been sporadically playing bigger rooms as the band’s stability (consisting of STI Greg, bass mater general Tibbie-X, Keith Richard’s ghost Paul) and reception has increased. Not to mention people love these songs! I had learned to jump over the camera pit and guard rail and into the crowd without landing on the railing. However the lights are still too much, and wearing a turban while wrapped in a the Lady de Guadalupe tapestry did not help. It did look good in pictures and better looks on the faces and blogs reviewing the show wondering what this was all about. God is a Reagan Youth fan, we keep telling you!
More people I met along the weekend were coming to the front to show support. The friendly faces made the show easy as 1-2-3 aka A-B-C. The looks on the faces when I came hurling at them was even better. The band played quite well. This was our second time together since the DK tour in June. Being on stage at a festival made it all the more exciting. I tried my best and when I lost part of a tooth while on the floor I knew I was doing something right. Since guardrails keep singers onstage at these shows, it is always well received when I go to the floor. Those bouncers did an wonderful job keeping me plugged in, and trust me, I kept them busy. Cheerio mates! Another thing about going onto the floor, it meant people danced and they usually do not at festivals. The separation between band and crowd is a real thing that can hurt a show when punx are involved. Breaking barriers worldwide and do not do it alone.
wristbands? but we are headlining! hey where did she go? come back…
Afterwards I hopped over the guardrail to walk through the ballroom in search of the main room to catch SLF. In an attempt to save time I tied my denim jacket, the religious tapestry and the turban somewhere on my body plus wore the bandannas and shirts the best I could. In what I thought was a quasi-messianic muscle car rock appeal ended up, after our set, to resemble more of a walking bodega. Loosies and all! Fukk it, I stuck out before so why not now?
guard rails protect you, not me. remember that!
Times like this I forget that I have walked into (as some have said) iconic punk status overnight (the lot of others have had less to say but only on message boards) and am not only a fan anymore. Before I could make it over the railing I was met by fans telling me this was the best set of the fest and the only one anyone danced along with. I took more pictures at my most unflattering – after the performance – where my hair is a trainwreck, my face is red, and one eye is open while the other is closed, and so on. These picture sets can now be found all over the world, I can safely say. After giving all the thanx inside me, I accompanied Conor and Nicola, who traveled from Ireland to be with us, only to see an Irish (Belfast counts right?) band play songs about inflammable material, with me. I was honored.
As the set went on and Conor’s generosity on the ciders did not subside, the band played song after song. This was cool, trust me, but the walking yard sale I had all over my body plus the daze thus far had been tiresome. So as Stiff Little Fingers played Barbed Wire Love I hit the eject button. With the help of the nearest punk, I was lifted to surf another audience only to go over the railing. I was led backstage and outside, met some Americans, some Russians, some everywhere you name its, and eventually bak with my band. With them were my new soon to be friends Ali and Colin. The couple are back and forth between the UK and Ireland. They were too impressed that some big band singer was talking with them. Please, I was honored they wanted to talk.
in full blown tour mode after only three daze
We retired to grab some more fish & chips and met more punx along the way who stopped us like we were the Rolling Stones or something. I gladly introduced myself and shared what sauces for chips I had, only to end up at the only all hours bar. I met back up with Colin and drank with the Rebellion Punx as the band caught a few hours sleep before our next flight. In company was Dickie Hammond (Leatherface & Angelic Upstarts!). OK so now I was giving the fanboy treatment and he gave me the casual, friendly approach. Touche! As the sun was rising it was time to find my bandmates, say my goodbyes, and catch a ride with Tom to the airport where we flew into Hanover, Germany, beginning the second and more grueling half of the European Tour… to be continued. What a gyp I know!!!
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I mean it took four daze to get thus far. We had to split to story in two volumes.
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-Tr’z Oswald (loudmouth, fan, sometimes a writer, lover & hater, human being, friend, brother, son, and one to never forget how lucky some can be and always one to remember how choices can get you to the top or in the gutter aka yin and yang) bids you tatty-bye.
Be on the lookout for “Profane Euro Punx Vol.2 European Redemption” coming sooner than later. Same profane time! Same profane channel!
my favorite pic of many -the author
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Next time we meet we will…
*Learn why smoking onstage is more frowned upon than sieg heiling during our theme song!!
*Understand why Americans not only speak way too quick, but are hated by most of the free world due to the decisions of their leaders!!
*Meet a skunk named Mo whom we met in Germany while being walked on a leash!!
*Discuss how the East Berlin Airport will be something I will always remember!!
*Tell tales from the Autobahn and journeys with Giovanni de Italia (love you friend I do)!!
*…and more about spreading the peace punk gospel with Dave’s right hand man and the three he has chosen to help in continuing the ministry!!
Mo’ to come
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Peace, love, unity & anarchy to the following…
Reagan Youth (Dave Insurgent, Paul Cripple, Tibbie-X, Staten Island Greg, and the others before me you are never forgotten), Ben Crew for trusting my judgement and words with the Profane site (you keep me writing despite my mounting personal turmoil), Tom Saunders for being a friend first and foremost, road dog, guide, etc, Nico and the British Westerdale family, you make it happen every time friend and we never forget it, the punx we met on the British Isle (names go on and on and we try to remember if not the name but the smiling faces), Landon and the gang at Covert Booking, the struggling masses, you, me, them, us, our dog Spot, and last if only to emphasize the point… my family aka Mom, Dad, and Zac – I’d be who knows where right now without you.
xoxo.
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Any questions, concerns, fact checks, misquotes, message boards still too impersonal, or want to simply say hello? I’m still down with the drones at Google.
When Reagan Youth was asked to play Pouzza Fest in Montreal, we booked a four day tour of Ontario and Quebec with the Dayglo Abortions .The day before we left The States I was in Philadelphia staying with Tibbie and Nico. While packing I mentioned that flying overseas was quite an ordeal. Nico reminded me the flight was only for two hours and maybe went over one of the Great Lakes. The gravity of the tour set in right around that moment. I mean, passports meant overseas right?
This is a tale involving spiritual growth, better understanding the world in which we live, learning other’s customs, struggles and overcoming one’s self, the plight of the working class in a quasi-Socialist government, and anarcho peace punk muscle car rock n’ muthafuckin’ roll baby, all night long till the break of dawn…
Louisville to Philadelphia via Cincinnati, Columbus, Pittsburgh, & Harrisburg
Miss Babylon and I caught a bus, etc… you know the deal. We had a lot of loose ends to tie up and made the cab with two minutes to spare as a torrential downpour destroyed Louisville. We met a friend’s step-dad on the bus, slept, fell out, woke up, nearly missed every transfer… repeat… the usual business of hanging on by a thread. Cut to the city of Brotherhood and Sisterhood.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
We had a day and a half till we split to NYC. and spent the evening at a show with half of the Gash crew throwing dice and giving out punk names to the sleepy kids of North Philly. The next day, Nico lent us the car while Tibbie rode separately with Hit to the gig at the Rock Shop. This was interesting ‘cuz the two people from the Midwest drove alone to NYC without a GPS or directions, looking for Brooklyn from the Turnpike.
New York City
We entered Manhattan from the George Washington Bridge, and as you may or may not know, is as far away as one could be from Brooklyn. I pulled over in uptown Queens, admired the set from Death Wish, trying to figure out where we were. The tunnel to Brooklyn was shut down and found the bridge instead. We made it to the gig and all in all, managed to avoid the thirteen dollar toll to get into lower Manhattan. This was a colossal success if you ask me.
We met on the sidewalk where Paul was wearing an incredibly clean Mets jersey given to him by a long lost family member who showed up at the gig to say hello. The jersey matched his new white guitar provided by Schecter as part of a sponsorship. Good signs, everywhere are signs. This would be my first gig with the band since February. Here goes nothing.
Jeremy and Dan showed up and blasted us with great photographs. As always Lake showed us more love than anyone. We opened with New Aryans and I did a leap off the stage and into the crowd the moment the song kicked in. This got things going immediately, per usual. Great show as always and being the day after Monday, we asked what was Johnny doing out on a Tuesday night…? Diggin’ that commie pinko Reagan Youth nonsense, that’s what.
The last memory of that Big Apple before leaving for Canada was appropriate. Babylon and I were driving towards the Jersey Turnpike as we take a scenic route to admire man’s attempt to grace the heavens – the skyscrapers of New York. Seven years ago I went to the city for the first time and left with a sore neck from gazing upwards. Once you see the city, no other compares. Cleveland is the size of downtown Brooklyn ya dig?? She was feeling the type of way I felt, absolutely blown away by the endless array of building after building. Thus is NYC.
Towards the Holland Tunnel we took a rest stop in a small, well lit park on a corner near the dock that host the boat rides to Governor’s Island. It appeared a reasonable place to pull over. Plus there were no other bathrooms in downtown at 2am. Moments later she came back. There was a man shooting up in one stall and a crippled man sleeping next to the other handcuffed to his wheelchair. We assumed he had once been robbed of his means of conveyance and this was a deterrent. We decided this was in fact, not a reasonable place to stop.
I love the city.
ONWARD TO CANADA aka ONTARIO HO!!!
The next day I was thrown into Nico’s car while still asleep and Tibbie and I were driven to the Newark Airport. I was changing clothes on the curb by the passenger drop off area when I looked up and saw a man looking at me. He was close enough to where we could communicate and he motioned to Tibbie and asked if she was Miley C. I said “yes of course”. Nico, Tibbie and I should be on Instagram for that one. We left for the terminal, met Paul and Stig, then caught a brief flight to Toronto.
So here is why going thru customs is like a hole in the head.
There are laws and methods in place to ensure people, (specifically people from the United States) do not enter Canada, make money, and then take it back home. We had the necessary documents saying we were in the country only to play one festival for free. Tibbie was in charge of said documents ‘cuz she is boss like that. Her and Paul go ahead to the same window. Stig and I follow when we were stopped and told one person at a time. Great, just great. Stig and I look at each other with dumb looks on our faces, then look at a woman in front of us getting reprimanded by two customs agents for lying on her work visa ‘cuz she applied as a visitor only to arrive as a laborer. Then Stig and I look back at each other with even dumber looks on our faces.
I was flossing while in line. While on tour one tends to change in airport terminals or, for example, floss in line while going thru customs. As I was called to the next available window the agent saw the floss as it hung from my mouth between two teeth. She told me I was disgusting, then said to wait while she went to get gloves before touching my documents. Fair enough. At the window I watched the same woman still trying to talk her way into the country to no avail. Then Paul called us to the window where him and Tibbie stood. We were then welcomed into the fine city of Toronto as I saw the agent, gloves in hand, look around for me with a dumb look on her face.
Toronto & Hamilton Ontario
We caught a cab to the city moments after landing, unsure what to really expect. I certainly did not expect the motel room to be built for three people and not four, having a twin bed and a half twin. Was this relevant to the metric system? Later that night the band dug Queen St. as we awaited to meet The Nasties and Dayglo Abortions the next day..
We walked all over the street trying to coordinate our pick up from Willie Jak, the bass player and Jim from The Nasties. We boarded a white van to be greeted by two of our road dogs and a box of merch they picked up for us. Our understanding of the situation in Canada was that we were to have had transportation provided by The Nasties in return for litres of gasoline. I fell asleep in the van and awoke in Hamilton, ON, the city on the hill that overlooked lake Ontario. We were dropped off and were reminded riot grrl, was indeed, not dead. Introducing Panty Christ. Jen was our gracious host as we awaited for the first gig to start.
Being morbid rockers from the States, we all wanted to buy cigarettes with diseased lungs on the pack. Before the gig, I visited a store to score a pack. Behind the counter were plastic shutters to cover up the cigarettes to avoid impulse buys or shopping with your eyes. I assume this was believed to decrease potential buyers. Nice try parliament, but this did not slow me down. Burnt throat and all we were picked up by Jim, our driver, and went to This Ain’t Hollywood as the drizzling rain began.
At the club, which was wood paneled inside, I tied a turban on my head and went inside and set up merch. We don’t know who ordered and paid for the shirts to this day. Who said socialist tendencies are a bad thing?? Here I met the rest of the bands we were touring with and chatted with the locals. I learned how the Central Canadians felt politically regarding Americans and their own situation in a global economy. It was a constant in all four cities that America’s influence on the west was regarding b the north not o much as animosity, but one of envy. “Big dogs on the block” was a term used. Great, and I thought I was getting weird looks because of the turban.
Dayglo Abortions are Canada’s longest running punk band, playing since 1979, and had never stopped. We were headlining in another country, which meant all eyes we on us. Played a good set to a cool crowd who attentively watched, but no slamming into each other or sing-a-longs. This always takes me aback ‘cuz I gotta do the whole set by myself. I then thought about that pack of smokes and the diseased lungs that were getting smashed in my pocket. Afterwards the band retired to Jen’s where we slept in Panty Christ’s practice room. The darkness and ringing in my ears made it easy to sleep.
Toronto, Ontario
We waited on Jim to arrive the next morning. He and the rest of The Nasties drove back to their hometown. It was hours away and in the same direction as Toronto to then drive back and pick us up. This made little sense but we went with it. After a two hour drive, we were dropped off in the heart of Toronto at this bougie ass hotel. We assumed the promoter put us up but we had no idea. Socialism at work yet again. It was a seventeenth floor suite with a balcony you could walk out on and see the tiny people and cars below. Stig and I smoked a cigarette, despite the dead organs on the pack. I admired the view while thinking “there’s no way this would fly in the States, too many people there jump outta fuckin’ windows” much less an open balcony.
We were having trouble getting a ride to the venue. Our driver seemed over it and we assumed the ridiculous hotel courtesy of an unknown benefactor did not help matters. I could see it lookind bad. A band staying in a bougie ass hotel they couldn’t afford, for free, but still needing a ride. We caught a cab to the venue. There was a line out the door. We went through the front entrance and greeted by a staircase. Upon climbing it we entered a shoulder to shoulder crowd. You can imagine our surprise when we were told we had to be onstage before we could set up the merch table. The second band out of five just finished their set, and we were headlining. Well, we thought we were headlining.
We had trouble locating our breakable equipment because no one wanted to help us find the van. So after we plugged in the guitars, there was a small slot to play our set. I don’t wanna say this was the best gig out of the tour, because that is up to opinion. However this was the largest and most enthusiastic crowd we had seen in Canada. I tied up the turban and took stage with the band all while being rushed along. The show was amazing. Truly one of the biggest, most professional Aerosmith-esque shows I had ever played. So you can imagine the shock we felt when halfway thru our set – the first and possibly the only time we would play Toronto – we were told we had run out of time.
Afterwards I met some Toronto punx and talked politics and hardcore music outside the club. I was asked why we basically opened the show when we were the top name on the physical ticket. Not to come off like Steve Tyler or anything, but we had never been to this city before and figured we would have had more than twenty minutes to play. We caught a cab back to that ridiculous bougie-ass hotel room and back to the seventeenth floor. I lingered around the dead streets of Toronto in the wee hours of the night, feeling as if I had accomplished something greater than I alone ever could, despite any expectations we may or may not have had.
London, Ontario
Paul spent the night out and Tibbie, Stig, and I awoke that morning to discover we were without a ride the to London, which was about four hours southwest. The hotel was insisting we checkout, which made sense checkout was hours ago. For whatever reason, and it doesn’t matter at this point as I’m sure we were becoming a burden, but no one wanted to help us with transportation as arranged. I went back asleep as Tibbie ensured Jim would pick us up. She made this tour happen I promise you that much is true. The ride to London was short for me, I fell asleep again due to frustration from the company and poor communication (or indifference). Also a chunk of money from the club’s payout was missing and we had no luck recovering it. Once in London we checked into a hotel of aviation decor and rested before we played the Under-Fucking-Rated Fest.
We arrived at the APK. I walked the streets instead of checking in the venue. I needed a break from the neon lights and amps. As I was fumbling with some loose Canadian bills with the Queen’s face looking at me when I noticed a man on a bike headed in my direction. As anticipated, he asked if I wanted anything. It was a broad question, but I told him “I don’t need to go to jail in another country”. Probably not the best answer but it seemed like a safe, nice city. “I’m not a cop” he said, as once again anticipated. I recalled a tip I heard once regarding oral hygiene and differentiating undercovers. I told him “you’re teeth are too straight, you gotta be a cop”. He looked frustrated as he rolled his eyes and quickly pedaled off. I assumed then and there that the rumor is in fact true.
The Under-Fucking-Rated Fest had us as the final band on the bill, which put us playing very-fucking-last. This meant most people went home drunk, it was too late, or simply few cared that we were playing. We played to a small, late night crowd. Loyal RY fans and drunk Canadian squatters (much cleaner than the crusties in the States) were left standing. We played the set on a small small stage, which meant a lot of floor action for me, took out a kid with the mic who kept yelling I wasn’t Dave Insurgent as he pushed me over and over… met some cool punx afterwards…drug out by Paul and Stig ‘cuz I was caught up in conversation with some cats after they loaded up and were waiting on me… then went to sleep… etc etc.
Pouzza Fest & Montreal, Quebec
The fest in Montreal that initially brought us up to Canada was a much longer drive than any of our flights from home. We overslept breakfast and almost our ride, as we slept more in the van where Jim drove us to a house somewhere none of us recognized. We awoke in a driveway were guided inside. We slept even more on the couches. This began a disaster of a journey to Pouzza in Montreal.
Hours later we were awoken and escorted into another van that was full of equipment we assumed was for us to use. I’m talking full drums and rigs. Our personal belongings and bags were left in the other van we thought we would be re-boarding. We got word along the way another box of merch was at the airport in Montreal. For whatever reason it was shipped there. I guess ‘cuz it was a neutral location, I dunno. We spent all of our money on gas driving to Montreal and more driving to and around the airport. We went into the terminal, where they directed us to a warehouse. The doors were unlocked, however it being Sunday, it was a ghost town. Paul, Tibbie, Stig, and I ran all over the long corridors until we gave up. Paul spotted another warehouse adjacent where we finally found a person behind the front desk. At this point we were so tired and any obstacle would have immediately derailed us. Then the man greeted us in French. Fuuuukkkk……
We all started saying four different ways in English we didn’t speak French. Then he began telling us in English that he was bilingual but had to greet us in French. Quebec custom and law. We happily signed for the box of merch. As we walked the hallway to the warehouse, I noticed there was a sign on the bathroom door that said “do not clean animals in sink”. Interesting.
We were dropped off at one of the many venues that held the fest, where we discovered the gear in the van was not ours to use. Another reason for the oil war in the Middle East! Our bags were somewhere in Jim’s van, and this was important since my meds and other personals were inside. I went to go find the van, I think, or decided to walk around, or both, right then and there. The town was very European, or at least in my idea of what constitutes as European. I ate some poutine like the tourist I was as I admired the city and it’s open usage of pot. Ha! I went back to the fest where we waited in the backstage area. Here I met my bag, meds, and some of the same faces I had seen along the way while in Canada. Turns out we weren’t the only ones who toured the country in search of Pouzza. We laughed and chatted till it was time to play.
I brought a top hat that was fashioned with the stars and stripes of the States. Mick Jagger wore one in the Gimmie Shelter movie. This wasn’t Altamont but then again the doorman did lift two buttons from the merch table as he walked by like it was nothing. I ran after him out of principle. Well security was fuked so we may have been headed in the right direction. I heard someone remark “That’s Montreal for ya”. What was that supposed to mean?? We took the stage to play the last show of the tour and the reason we were in Canada in the first place.
The A chord of New Aryans drug on until we got enough heads to look our direction. The crowd was too much. I kept getting lifted in the air as I played from the floor. We played most of our songs as we ran through the usual set. As we left the Montreal Punx chanted “Reagan Youth! Reagan Youth!” This had never happened to me before so we did what anyone would have done, played two more songs. We did a third song and I suppose a second encore and closed with “What Will The Neighbors Think?”. This was every song RY had played as a band. We then retired to a dorm. The students of whichever school it was were out for the Summer. I was out too as I fell asleep on the floor.
Back To The USA
Tibbie and Stig caught a cab as Paul and I caught trains as to save our money so we could pay rent when we got home. The main bus terminal downtown has swings in place of benches. One of the marvels of the modern world if you ask me. We caught three trains to arrive at the airport only to separate. The guitar case I packed as a suitcase was in shambles at this point. It seemed a better idea on paper I swear. We ended up all meeting at the same time in the terminal. Turns out the cab was cheaper than the trains. Finally the downfalls of Socialism!
We said our goodbyes. I left Canada and transferred in Motown to Louisville and returned to civilian life – always remembering I remain a soldier ‘cuz the war is not yet won.
“Peace, love, anarchy, unity, and ain’t it fun?? 2014”
This is what I recall and thought noteworthy while touring Central Canada.
Wanna blast me or the band online and the message boards are simply not enough??
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Up Profane Existence, Reagan Youth, Paul, Tibbie, Staten Island Greg aka Stig, Dayglo, The Nasties, Landon & Covert Booking, Nico, Su’z, the struggling masses, the new Republican Party that took root after Nixon was impeached, the haters (for keeping us relevant) and the lovers (for keeping us more relevant), and you. Why?? Because we love you!!
Reagan Youth has been invited on a four day tour with the Dayglo Abortions. We are hitting the providences starting May 15th to 18th CE. This inspired a re-write of our first time in Canada at the nation’s capitol, Ottawa, Ontario. I hope you enjoy the 2104 remix.
“UP THE COUNTRY CANADA PUNX”
In 1980 Henry Rollins was invited onstage in New York City at a Black Flag show where Dez encouraged him to sing Clocked In. This was appropriate since Henry had to return to DC and work the following morning. In 2012 at The Nick in Birmingham I was invited to sing USA with Reagan Youth on the Drivin’ South Tour. We were both asked to join our respective bands after the impromptu debuts. This comparison has been pointed out a few times. I gotta say I’m flattered. And listen, for better or worse, if you are a Rollins hater, ask if you have made a more noteworthy impact in punk music. Last I checked him and Ian Mackaye were still tight.
Sometime after Rob Halford was asked to leave Judas Priest and went to form Fight, the guy who sang in a Judas Priest tribute band became Judas Priest’s singer. In 2008 I was in a Reagan Youth tribute band called New Aryans based out of Austin, Texas (shout out to Bobby Aztec, Trev Apathy, Lex Royale, Shawn Cripple, Coby Tripper, & Cristoph Turk). I later went to sing for Reagan Youth. This comparison has been made as well. More often than not I have heard the movie based on that story. It’s called called Rock Star and stars Mark Wahlburg. I’m not complaining, I am just telling you.
Over the last daze of June, 2013 I went into Canada for the first time as a performer with the band. I also wanna admit I had very little to work with as introduction. It was a two day stint and I shamelessly name dropped to get your attention. Onward to OTTAWA, CANADA!!!
Columbus, Ohio
Getting a rental out of the States was more trouble than it was worth, so I headed northeast from Louisville, Kentucky in my Jeep. I was driving alone so I stopped off in C-Bus to visit my friend Molly, whom I had not seen since living in Texas some years ago. She always told me Columbus Punx knew how to get it in and was shown firsthand. There was a show and video shoot at Bourbon Street Bar and a front porch party with 40 oz punx next door. Columbus is an Oasis in the middle of Ohio and if you are a vagabond or a touring band, do yourself a favor and stop off in the captown. Are you happy? I was.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
It took ten hours to get across the Pennsylvania turnpike to Philly. Thank god I was lifted the entire way or I would have lost my mind. I arrived at Tibbie’s place and immediately felt at home. I will always remember right before I went to sleep, her husband Nico and I stood on their balcony that overlooked the Delaware River and chatted for the first time. We talked history, geography, and how different governments worked. I was in and out of consciousness from the trip. I gotta say, our bass master general’s husband is a remarkable person. Their son Severin said I was “cool punk rock” and I think he thought that was my name. Considering his parents I was flattered. The next morning I went sight seeing until it was time for Tibbie and I to leavet for New Jersey to practice.
Jersey, NYC, & Lowell
When Tibbie and I arrived the band practiced as if we hadn’t missed a beat since April. I stayed the night in the city with Paul and Beatrice. The next afternoon we left for Lowell. Upon arrival I was informed that GG died the same night in 1993. We were in New England and he was from the next state over in New Hampshire. Patrick Flaherty hooked us with a great show in the upstairs of the Worthen House. The crowd was happy to have us as we were to be there. After the show Paul and I did an interview for a show in Lima, Peru. Due to the background noise of people leaving the club, we had to relocate from the inside, to the outside deck, and eventually on the street in order to have the audio record correctly. I honestly don’t think they got anything worth using.
Lowell is notorious for drugs and crime. The documentary High on Crack Street was shot there. It documented Dicky Ukland and two other addicts and their crack addiction. This was was portrayed in the movie The Fighter. I know, this is the second Mark Wahlburg reference, but not on purpose, I promise. The people who hung out were cool for sure, showed us love, danced and sang the songs. They were also kind enough to to hip us to who was pushing that ghetto d and who was about to break into our car. Funny because we saw some goons peeping out the gear in the Jeep. Patrick’s home was an old warehouse turned into studios. After drinking all that New England beer I was done. We slept good in preparation for Ottawa.
Ottawa, Canada & Beyond
I had been driving so fucking much at this point (2k since Kentucky). Who was driving I dunno, me or Paul. Crossing the border was quite painless coming New Hampshire. We found our way west towards Ontario, passing Quebec and Montreal along the way. The roads went from 70 mph to 70 kpm, the signs were in French and English, and the mood couldn’t have been better. I felt better than ever as we went west driving into the sunset, set to play Canada for the first time as a band. I should mentioned we consumed everything we brought before crossing the border. Needless to say we were on one.
The venue, a grey stone building called the Montgomery Legion Hall, appeared to have once been a Roman Catholic church and it was beautiful. We were immediately welcomed and shown inside where we drank bottled beers in bottles in a metric measurement slightly larger than a 40 oz.. We learned and played Working Man by Rush which led into the part where Miss Teen American takes. Canada and The States reprazented in a single medley sounds like peace n’ unity if you ask me. We played on the floor surrounded by mirrors on the three walls around the band, which left the back wall I faced towards the crowd was not. The show was able to be viewed from every angle. The excitement of being in another country as a band playing a gig to a new audience coupled with our anticipation and the manner we were received made this my favorite show at this juncture. Maybe still??
Afterwards I went to an after party until sunrise. The last thing I remember as I fell asleep in the cab was crossing the Ottawa River. Parliament overlooked the waterway. I drifted into a strange, dreamy state of being. I met back up with the band and left for the States hours later. Being up till sunrise, Paul drove as I slept that evening. I awoke when the Jeep came to a stop in Manhattan. I hugged, Stig and Tibbie goodbye, got a good nite’s sleep, ate breakfast, then hugged Paul and Beatrice goodbye. Turns out as I was leaving NYC on that July 1st morning it was Canada Day back in the north country.
Epilogue
I drove from New York to Ohio. I went into the Greyhound station and bought a bus ticket with what money I had left from my earnings for the next tour in New England. I was in line behind someone wearing a Reagan Youth shirt. I let it go for a moment, but I had to say something. I asked if he saw the band in Columbus last time they played shortly before I joined. His name was Jesse and he was buying a ticket to get to New York. He was friends with Paul. I took this as a sign that things are just getting better and better.
***
a big fat peace, love, n’ anarchy to ben crew and the extended pe family, patrick and the worthen, jo steel & ottawa sucks vol.2, paul, tibbie, stig, & beatrice, the columbus, ottawa & lowell punx, and most importantly loving love and hating hate
In April of 2013 I went on my first major tour with Reagan Youth where I met Mike Defendant. He was opening for the band in Louisville, Kentucky. This was where the Rustbelt Tour 2013 ended. We have since been in touch regarding music, touring, life, etc… more recently his solo debut “Iron Bars”, his involvement with Profane Existence, and life as a troubadour.
-By Trey Oswald
*Profane Existence: Tell us a little about yourself. What influenced you to start playing music? What bands did you play with before becoming a solo performer?
*Mike Defendant: I played hardcore until things just slowed down. I started a side project with a friend, played a few shows, then decided that I was not meant to jam with a full band. I wanna do way too much and the schedules and personal lives of others interfere.
*PE: What are your plans as a solo performer? Where do you think the songs and performances will be well-received?
*MD: My current plans as a solo performer are to keep doing what I am already doing – writing, gigging, touring, etc. I feel my songs will be best received in the south. From my experience, I learned that the southern punk scene is very accepting of acoustic openers, unlike other places.
*PE: Your album has a sense of optimism as the troubadour life awaits and home is far behind. Is there a sense of wanting to escape or a desire for experience in your writing?
*MD: Yeah. Haha, I really hate the place that I currently live. I put in too much work in a scene that lacks people and support. The few people who support what I’m doing back me to the fullest… but i can’t even get half of them to come to half the shows I play… But wait! RANCID comes to town and watch every punk drive an hour to see the show. Haha.
*PE: When did Profane Existence show interest in your world and how did that come about?
*MD: I have been a fan of P.E. for a while. I discovered In Defense through my buddies Reagan Youth. I saw ‘em on tour with The Casualties where I met Ben Crew (Vocalist of In Defense/Owner of PE). I gave him my info and a few months later saw them play with Toxic Holocaust. We chatted after the show and weeks later we were talkin’ about a release. The rest is history!
*PE: What inspires you to write songs? Lyrically and musically?
*MD: Life in general really… I just kinda go with the flow of how I feel.
*PE: Folk Punk seems to be the label used these daze. What drew you from electric to acoustic punk?
*MD: I wanted to progress on my own, but i still wanted to play punk… it just came out folky due to my blues and folk influences haha. i really enjoy Against Me! Evan Greer (the entire RIOT FOLK Movement) and anything that has to do with PAT THE BUNNY!
*PE: Do you feel a great deal of the bands who form in Ohio tend to leave and never come back or do they remain and reprazent the Buckeye State?
*MD: Some of ‘em kick it here. I’ll most likely be coming back after my tours and what not in the future. It’s a good place to live.. but not a good place for music. This does make it a little hard but I love my family too much. There are a few sweet bands around here though – Legbone, FBS, Sub X…
*PE: Not everyone is familiar with Ohio or the Midwest. Have you noticed a central hub for music in Ohio?
*MD: I would have to say a lot of good music comes out of the Columbus, Ohio area.
*PE: What are your feelings about the Midwest scene? Has it broken out to the coast and into the collective punk consciousness?
*MD: It seems alright although.. I really don’t have much support out this way. I want to relocate to the durty south very soon to play a few shows (if I have it my way).
*PE: Would you mind sharing a story from the road or an experience that has stuck with you as a vagabond musician?
*MD: When i went on the road with my old band (Some Kind Of Nightmare – LOOK EM UP!) we met another band in Arkansas (THE DEAD RANGERS). The venue screwed both bands out of a show. These guys wanted to do EVERYTHING in their power to assure us this was not a good representation of their punk rock scene. We were invited back to their place out in the sticks and got us a ton of beer. We played in their barn to a gang full of rowdy, redneck, punkers. They showed us such a good time! I also played an acoustic set and sold EVERY piece of merch that I had. If that already was not the best show I had been a part of… the next day they made us a homemade breakfast and invited us to hang around for lunch.
Those two days taught me that PUNK ROCK is a family and no matter where you go and there are people who will have your back. People I had never met before welcomed us in. Even though I was so far away from home, that night I felt reunited with old friends and family. It was an amazing feeling knowing that I would return the favor one day by hosting bands myself. Not just punk bands, but anyone!
*PE: OK, enough with the Circus Magazine questions. Time for the fun part.
*MD: Ahhhh Yeahhhh
*PE: Do you have any shout outs, name you want to drop, album releases, venues, bands, shows, etc. that you want to shamelessly mention?
MD: Shout to BEN CREW for putting out my noise and dealing with my lack of skill, Trey Oswald for letting me party at his house where I met Hank and some new friends. SHOUT OUT TO DA VILLE PUNX, OHIO RIOT, all the bands that stick around to watch my sets. A huge shout out to RANDY RAY PATTERSON, SOME KIND OF NIGHTMARE, AMY LYNN, INFESTED RECORDS. SHOUT OUT TO EVAN GREER, and anyone who I will tour with in the future. Last but not least my parents! (Verl and Shelly Wilson), and grandma (Sadie Kelsey)
-PROFANE EXISTENCE -CLAYTON USA -REAGAN YOUTH -THE CASUALTIES -GREEN JELLO
I probably forgot some important people… but they know I love em!
*PE: Tell us your favorite (Mike answers after each selection):
-Guitar player- Paul Cripple
-70s muscle car- Uhhhh… I really don’t know too much about cars but I like the one from Grease. Haha does that count?
-Beer/Liquor/other if you don’t consume alcohol- Uhhh I like alcohol… but… what really keeps me alive is WATER! Haha I am a big fan of some water but when it comes to booze? PBR or some kind of vodka.
-Discharge song- NEVER AGAIN!
-Favorite city/state to play- GREENVILLE, NC
-Favorite place to visit or party- NOLA!
-Best movie or documentary about punk- I really like “The Other F Word” a lot… or “American Hardcore”, “What we Do Is Secret” , “Slc Punk!” The list goes on… oh and if you don’t like “Rock N Roll High School” you can suck it.
-Best Anti-police song- Evan Greers, Children Song!
-Dystopian novel or story- What does that even mean?
-You have to pick one. Miley or Billy Ray Cyrus?- Hmm.. I have always been fascinated with horrible parenting and mullets.. so Billy (plus that achy breaky song is catchy- there I said it).
-Your most prized piece of rock memorabilia you have (t-shirt, record, ticket stub, zine, etc.)- Recently I had the opportunity to open for Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols) and he signed the flyer for the show.
-Words of hope (or hopelessness)- NEVER GIVE UP! NEVER GIVE IN! If you have a dream FIGHT for it. Be willing to put yourself in uncomfortable situations. Be willing to hit rock bottom. You will make it some day. Most importantly, remember when you feel like no one believes in you- MIKE DEFENDANT does! Hit me up! I want to listen to your band and wanna see you dreams come true!
LAST BUT NOT LEAST!!!
You will never fail until the day you stop trying! Stay positive! Stay true to yourself!
Appropriately named “Iron Bars”, Mike Defendant plays acoustic punk, which is alive along with the folk spirit. Songs of pain have never sounded so hopeful, making the listener want to travel the world, using music as a vehicle. The theme of the album is escape, leaving home, heading into the unknown. However the singer is not running away, but searching for the unknown, ready for what awaits. Songs like “Afraid” tell of venturing out along the highways and the into the towns. He may be unsure but is confident because troubadour life is what he knows. Prepared for sorrow, pain, or even death, as Mike boldly states “I’ll have to pick me one last tune” writing his own Eulogy.
Venturing away from where he grew up is mentioned in “Iron Bars”, describing how there are only has two venues, behind bars or six feet below. There is certain sorrow in Mike’s music but unfolds as he has found a reason to live a fuller existence by escaping and opening his heart. “Nice Knowing You” Mike sings “is there a spot in his heart and will he still care”. Jaded but open he will soon find out as the listener can only assume. Maybe you can catch his guitar playing the perfect riffs as Mike sings and even screams at times about how he won’t conform to their rules and regulations or how the only family he needs is his guitar and a voice to sing.
Optimism over desperation aka Living on the run they’ll never take Mike out alive.
“-Peace, Love, n’ Unity to Mike, Profane Existence, & all the punx worldwide”
Profane Existence 