Loud! Fast! Philly!

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Andrew Martini of Limp Wrist, Kill the Man Who Questions, and… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 79- Andrew Martini, Myles Donovan, Mon Ovath of Limp Wrist, Disemballerina, A Stick and A Stone, Negative Queen, Erik Ruin’s Ominous Cloud Ensemble, Forgotten Bottom, Mafouka ‘zine, Hanoi Panic ‘zine appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Andrew Martini of Limp Wrist, Kill the Man Who Questions, and The Stuntmen; Myles Donovan of Disemballerina, A Stick and A Stone, Negative Queen, and Erik Ruin’s Ominous Cloud Ensemble; and Mon Ovath of F80 and Moufoka and Hanoi Panic ‘zines. We discuss how they grew up and came into their queer and punk indentities in Philadelphia. The emphasis is on the queer punk scene that came to full fruitition in the 1990s (fueled in part by ACT-UP activism and Riot Grrrl) and gained momentum as more young punks came out and brought the energy and confrontational politics (as well as the fun) to audiences who were not always receptive, but were not given the option to turn away. In a pre-internet era when networking was significantly more tenuous and primitive, finding fellow “members of the tribe” could be a frustrating — and at times dangerous — process. Through their art as musicians and performers, Andrew, Myles, and Mon reached — and continue to inspire — young people looking for outsiders like themselves. Their stories eventually interconnect with one another and twine through the history of Philadelphia’s underground music scene and the people and places that once comprised it. This is a raucous interview with three fascinating fellows. Limp Wrist Bandcamp page Disemballerina Bandcamp page Negative Queen Bandcamp page A Stick and A Stone Bandcamp page Myles Donovan photoblog from MaximumRockNRoll magazine circa 1996 Hanoi Panic speaking live in Vietnam (Featuring editor Mon Ovath) The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 79- Andrew Martini, Myles Donovan, Mon Ovath of Limp Wrist, Disemballerina, A Stick and A Stone, Negative Queen, Erik Ruin’s Ominous Cloud Ensemble, Forgotten Bottom, Mafouka ‘zine, Hanoi Panic ‘zine appeared first on Cinepunx.

In this bonus episode, Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Mark Andersen and Ralph Heibutzki, co-authors of… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Bonus Episode: WE ARE THE CLASH Live Event appeared first on Cinepunx.

In this bonus episode, Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Mark Andersen and Ralph Heibutzki, co-authors of the new book, We Are The Clash (Akashic Books, 2018). The episode begins with a short interview that took place before a live event at Brickbat Books in Philadelphia and is followed by the audio of the event itself (in its entirety). The live event was moderated by Frank Blank Moriarty. Both Mark Andersen (of Positive Force DC and We Are Family) and Frank Blank Moriarty (of ’80s Philly punk band Informed Sources) have had full interviews as part of the LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! project. Special thanks to Frank for audio assistance and for his deft interviewing skills at the live event. All photos by Karen Kirchhoff Check out Nick Spacek’s review of We Are The Clash here The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Bonus Episode: WE ARE THE CLASH Live Event appeared first on Cinepunx.

A follow-up interview with Neil Robinson of Nausea, Squat or Rot, Tribal War Records, Final… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Bonus Episode- Neil Robinson Follow Up! appeared first on Cinepunx.

A follow-up interview with Neil Robinson of Nausea, Squat or Rot, Tribal War Records, Final Warning, Jesus Chrust, ABC NO RIO, and the Farmageddon Growers’ Collective. I first interviewed Neil in the summer of 2015. That interview appears in the main body of interviews on the LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! website and in all the other places it’s been posted to through the Cinepunx podcast network. While I was in Portland, Oregon (and surrounding environs) in mid-October, 2017, I paid a call on Neil to catch up a bit. After we shared a meal at Pappa G.’s, a vegan deli, I recorded this follow-up interview in his truck. Because follow-up interviews are not part of the interview series proper, it’s not considered a full interview. On the L!F!P! site this appears in the blog section. We had a terrific talk (as I hope you’ll soon hear) about Neil’s life in the two+ years since our full interview and the state of the world today. The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Bonus Episode- Neil Robinson Follow Up! appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews illustrator and writer Greg Pizzoli. Greg is the author of several… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 78- Greg Pizzoli appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews illustrator and writer Greg Pizzoli. Greg is the author of several acclaimed books for children including: The Watermelon Seed (winner of the Theodor Seuss Geisel Award), Templeton Gets His Wish, Tricky Vic, Number One Sam, Good Night Owl, and The Quest For Z. His books are published by Viking Children’s Books (a division of Penguin) and Disney Hyperion. Greg also comes from punk, which has influenced his work in many ways. Greg finds himself in a unique position: writing books that are read and loved by scores of children around the world. With the attention comes a responsibility, though he deftly avoids using his work to moralize to his readers. Greg speaks at schools about forty times a year and uses his ability to communicate with the kids without condescension to encourage creativity. We talk about Greg’s early influences in music and books and how those works shaped him into the writer he is today. Perhaps most crucially, we talk about spreading empathy in dark times. Greg is in a unique position to be able to communicate to the kids who are the future, and what he says about them (and, I’d add, what he helps to foster in them) is an encouraging sign that we’re all looking for and rejoice in seeing. Some seeds one swallows — inadvertently or with intention — when young grow into trees of great and lasting beauty. Greg Pizzoli’s website Photos by Karen Kirchhoff   The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 78- Greg Pizzoli appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Josie DiCarlo of Barnet Fair, Mike Ski of True Hand Society,… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 77: Mike Barone, Shannon Roche, Rob Jahn, JP Flexner, Josie DiCarlo, Mike Ski of Grindcore House, Crust Vegan Bakery, Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company, Barnet Fair, True Hand Society appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Josie DiCarlo of Barnet Fair, Mike Ski of True Hand Society, Shannon Roche of Crust Vegan Bakery, Mike Barone of Grindcore House, and Rob Jahn and JP Flexner of Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company. This was a panel discussion held at the Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company in Croydon, PA upon their invitation. The discussion was about punks who own and operate businesses. Despite being a terribly noise environment thanks to many individuals present not for the event but to drink and eating loudly amongst themselves, the discussion was still fascinating and well worth your time in listening. While full apologies are issued due to the sound, you’ll still find a thoughtful discussion of how each respective business came to be, what the interviewees brought to their business to make it unique, how the businesses reflect the ethics of punk, operating with a conscience under capitalism, dealing with the city/state and all the regulations that come with running a legit business, the toll making and sustaining a dream project takes on one’s life, and a great deal more. Many thanks go out to the Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company for making this event happen and helping to bring together these inspiring business owning punks. They also make excellent beer. Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company True Hand Society Crust Vegan Bakery Barnet Fair Grindcore House The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 77: Mike Barone, Shannon Roche, Rob Jahn, JP Flexner, Josie DiCarlo, Mike Ski of Grindcore House, Crust Vegan Bakery, Neshaminy Creek Brewing Company, Barnet Fair, True Hand Society appeared first on Cinepunx.

Consider this a bonus episode and not part of the interview series proper. For a… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 76- BONUS EPISODE appeared first on Cinepunx.

Consider this a bonus episode and not part of the interview series proper. For a live event in front of an audience at Tyler Contemporary, Tyler School of Art at Temple University, Philadelphia, Ed Avery-Natale interviewed LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! creator Joseph A. Gervasi. The L!F!P! project and Philadelphia HC punk (among other retaliated subjects) were discussed. This took place on November 17, 2016. This is a recording of this spirited event. Ed Avery-Natale is the author of Ethics, Politics, and Anarcho-Punk Identifications: Punk and Anarchy in Philadelphia (Lexington Books, 2016). Photos by Karen Kirchhoff           The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 76- BONUS EPISODE appeared first on Cinepunx.

    Joseph A. Gervasi interviews three of the filmmakers behind the documentary The Pine… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 75: David Kessler, Benjamin Warfield, Allen Crawford of The Pine Barrens documentary, The Ruins of Friendship Orchestra appeared first on Cinepunx.

    Joseph A. Gervasi interviews three of the filmmakers behind the documentary The Pine Barrens. Present for this interview were director David Kessler, musician Benjamin Warfield of the Ruins of Friendship Orchestra, and trickster Allen Crawford (who was once also known by his now-dead alter ego, Lord Whimsy). We discuss the history of New Jersey’s Pine Barrens; the genesis of the film project; the various additional facets that accompany the film, such as live music and art installations; and the ever-evolving nature of both the project and the public’s awareness and protective appreciation of the Pine Barrens. Along with some talk about the lives and other projects of Kessler, Warfield, and Crawford, we consider psychedelics and representing the psychedelic experience on film. We talk about the challenges and responsibilities of representing not only an endangered (and unique) geographic region, but the people (some of whom are not lacking NJ/Philly-are attitude) for whom it is a home or source of solace. At the time this interview was recorded, The Pine Barrens was nearing completion, with a release date set for some time in 2017. Photos by Karen Kirchhoff The Pine Barrens documentary website The Pine Barrens documentary Facebook page The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 75: David Kessler, Benjamin Warfield, Allen Crawford of The Pine Barrens documentary, The Ruins of Friendship Orchestra appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews the Rev. Kirk T. Berlenbach of Saint Timothy’s Episcopal Church Roxborough.… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 74: Rev. Kirk T. Berlenbach of Saint Timothy’s Episcopal Church appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews the Rev. Kirk T. Berlenbach of Saint Timothy’s Episcopal Church Roxborough. Father Kirk grew up in Haddonfield, NJ. His father was a priest and he always loved being a part of the church. Moving through his teenage years, Father Kirk was drawn to rock, prog (!), punk, and gothic music. He had a desire to spread the word of Christ, but found different avenues from which to approach his faith and alternate means — at times outrageous — of expressing it. In this wide-ranging discussion, matters of both faith and social justice are discussed. Father Kirk has been outspoken in his support of LGBT rights, his opposition to the demonization of immigrants (and the xenophobic propositions to keep them out with giant walls and bigoted laws), demagoguery, the proliferation of guns and gun violence, economic inequality, and other hot-button (but essential) social issues facing our times. Pushing against cynicism and the despair and fatigue that comes after each successive mass shooting or terrorist attack, Father Kirk remains a champion of the worth of individual humans and the solace — and call to arms — that the troubled can find in the words of Jesus Christ. In a world of no easy answers, a compassionate voice is the first in a rising chorus. Saint Timothy’s Episcopal Church Roxborough Saint Timothy’s Episcopal Church Roxborough Facebook Page Rev. Kirk T. Berlenbach’s Facebook Page Rev. Kirk T. Berlenbach’s Blog   The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 74: Rev. Kirk T. Berlenbach of Saint Timothy’s Episcopal Church appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Larry Livermore, formerly of Lookout Records and author of the book… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 73: Larry Livermore of Lookout Records appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Larry Livermore, formerly of Lookout Records and author of the book How To Ru(i)n A Label (Don Giovanni Records, 2015). Since Larry’s book covers the story of his involvement (and de-volvement) with Lookout Records so well, we only talk about the label a bit in this lengthy interview. Instead we focus on other aspects of Larry’s life, like growing up working class in Detroit, his estrangement from his family, the consumption and sale of psychedelic drugs, living in Northern California, MaximumRockNRoll, the punk scene’s sometimes self-destructive disdain for success and embrace of obscurity and failure, and being involved in a record label that meant a lot to countless people. We talk about how we came to know one another in a story about my stay at a hippie religious commune in the early 1990s. The Martin Sprouse edited book Threat By Example (Pressure Drop Press, 1989) is discussed along with Larry’s essay in it. The discussion doesn’t shy away from sensitive subjects such as suicide, love, and loneliness. All told, even those who’ve read Larry’s columns and books (and possibly attending one of his speaking engagements) will find much to enjoy in this interview. As I note at the start of the interview (and as is the case with a few other interviews in the project), Larry is not a “Philly person” (though he told a terrific Philly story when he gave his speaking engagement shortly after this interview was conducted). Larry’s writing, bands (The Lookouts, The Potato Men), the Gilman Street Project/924 Gilman, and records he released through Lookout Records had an impact on participants in the Philly scene (myself included). Larry Livermore’s “How To Ru(i)n A Record Label” book Larry Livermore’s website Larry Livermore on Facebook The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 73: Larry Livermore of Lookout Records appeared first on Cinepunx.

WKDU (91.7 FM) DJ Yoni Kroll interviews LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! creator Joseph A. Gervasi live… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 72: Joseph A. Gervasi talks L!F!P! on WKDU 91.7 FM appeared first on Cinepunx.

WKDU (91.7 FM) DJ Yoni Kroll interviews LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! creator Joseph A. Gervasi live on-air on Sunday, March 13, 2013. They talk about the origins of the L!F!P! project, Joseph’s long-term involvement in Philly DIY HC punk through The Cabbage Collective and more, an email he received from a concerned punk (Jim Shomo, later interviewed for the project), 1990s emo babies, the Cinedelphia Film Festival and its creator Eric Bresler, conducting long-form interviews, his favorite Philly bands, and more. 91.7 fm WKDU Philadelphia   The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 72: Joseph A. Gervasi talks L!F!P! on WKDU 91.7 FM appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews the photographer Cynthia Connolly. We talk about Cynthia growing up in… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 71: Cynthia Connolly of Banned In DC appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews the photographer Cynthia Connolly. We talk about Cynthia growing up in Los Angeles, CA and being drawn into the early punk scene. Cynthia and her sister wind up moving to Washington, DC in the early ’80s. There Cynthia become an active participant in the burgeoning hardcore punk scene. Cynthia designed the iconic “Out of Step” 12″ cover for Minor Threat. In the late ’80s she compiled, contributed photos to, and published the essential “Banned In DC” book, which she’s kept in print under her own imprint since then. We discuss the role of women in punk in contrast to the world of rock that preceded it, the bootlegging of her sheep art, working for MaximumRockNRoll magazine, the infamous SOA/Black Flag riot at the Starlight Ballroom in Philadelphia, and much more. It should be noted that, as I state at the start of the interview, Cynthia is not a “Philly person,” and thus may seem to fall out of the scope of this project. Like some others I’ve spoken to for L!F!P! (e.g. Martin Sprouse [who comes up a few times in this interview], Mark Anderson, Neil Robinson, etc), I’ve elected to include these individuals in part because I feel their achievements have influenced the artistic/creative endeavors of Philadelphia folks (including me) and in part because I find them to be fascinating and inspiring individuals. Cynthia Connolly’s website         The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 71: Cynthia Connolly of Banned In DC appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Jim McMonagle of the Philly hardcore punk band Flag of Democracy… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 69: Jim McMonagle of Flag of Democracy (F.O.D.) appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Jim McMonagle of the Philly hardcore punk band Flag of Democracy (F.O.D.). Jim grew up as a “monster kid” obsessed with horror and science-fiction films and books, especially King Kong, Godzilla, and Japanese TV shows such as Ultraman. By the late 1970s, Jim was embracing the nascent punk scene. At the start of the 1980s, F.O.D. was born. Their first show was also one of the most infamous hardcore shows of the early ’80s: the Buff Hall show in Camden, NJ that both Agnostic Front and Minor Threat played. This show was immortalized on the 7″ EP of Minor Threat’s performance and it’s the show where Ian MacKaye got hit by a van but soldiered on to play despite his head injuries. After seeing hundreds of punks go wild for their set, Jim knew that F.O.D. was what he wanted to be doing. Over three decades later, after several records, some European and US tours, and never breaking up or even taking an extended bread (or making an embarrassing metal record, for that matter), F.O.D. rages on. Each generation of punks in Philly falls in love with their manic speed and intensity as well as their goofiness. Jim has amazing and often hilarious stories and even does some singing now and again. It’s a rollicking interview that is similar to the band’s music in that the pace never flags. For this interview I was joined by Bruce Howze of SRA records, the label responsible for the F.O.D. re-issues, the +HIRS+ records (see: the L!F!P! Jenna Pup interview), and much more. Bruce helped make this interview happen after nearly three years of this project (Jim was always at the top of the list) and he co-interviewed with me. At the time of recording, F.O.D. was in the studio working on a new LP.   SRA Records       The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 69: Jim McMonagle of Flag of Democracy (F.O.D.) appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Nathan Gray of the bands BoySetsFire, I Am Heresy, and now… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 68: Nathan Gray of BoySetsFire, I Am Heresy, Church of Satan appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Nathan Gray of the bands BoySetsFire, I Am Heresy, and now solo work. Nathan details his experience of growing up with under the weight of fear in a Pentecostal family. Until he began to shed his Christian faith in his early thirties, Nathan found the religion he was raised with to be debilitating. Despite being the son of a Christian minister, Nathan is now a member of the Church of Satan. We talk about moving from faith to atheism/Satanism, discovering punk (not a simple prospect, considering how and where he was raised), a bit about BoySetsFire and I Am Heresy, and a whole lot about Islamic terrorism around the world. It’s Nathan’s writing about these tragedies and their perpetrators that’s alienated some of the fans of his projects and inspired others. Always thoughtful and highly-articulate, often passionate, Nathan minces no words in his approach to speaking out on the issues. In an interview that may make some listeners uncomfortable (which is never a bad thing), there is much less punk talk and much more talk of that state of living under the threat of terror and how one can rise out of that terror with words and deeds. Nathan Gray       The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 68: Nathan Gray of BoySetsFire, I Am Heresy, Church of Satan appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Ralph Darden, also known as DJ Major Taylor, who played in… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY Episode 67: Ralph Darden of Random Children, Franklin, AM/FM, Jai Alai Savant, DJ Major Taylor appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Ralph Darden, also known as DJ Major Taylor, who played in the bands Random Children, Franklin, AM/FM, Jai Alai Savant and more. While Ralph now lives in both Chicago and Los Angeles, he grew up in Philadelphia and spent much of his youth in the racially-mixed Mt. Airy neighborhood. In this long and frank interview, Ralph talks about the racial divide in Philadelphia, growing up in a world where he didn’t quite fit in with either while or black folks, discovering punk through BMX bikes (RAD!), playing in early bands and seeing shows in Philly, playing one of the greatest Philly punk shows of all time when Random Children played with Fugazi at Drexel, and much more. The discussion of race may be the most provocative parts of this wide-ranging conversation. Ralph talks about what it was like to have a song sung about him that called him “fucking disgusting” and how that made him feel as scores of people sang along to the lyrics yet never knew him personally. Ralph works with at-risk kids, DJs high-end parties and events, and may be engaging in a special project in Africa that is best explained by him in the interview. He also appears in the recent Afropunk documentary. For as long as this interview runs, the pace never flags as it rides on Ralph’s good humor, hilariously spot-on impersonations, and heartfelt and passionate insights. I trust listeners will find this to be one of the best interviews in the L!F!P! project. Plus: his mother pretty much invented voicemail.     The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY Episode 67: Ralph Darden of Random Children, Franklin, AM/FM, Jai Alai Savant, DJ Major Taylor appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Neil Robinson of the bands Nausea, Slaughter, Warning, Final Warning, and… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 66: Neil Robinson of Nausea, Squat or Rot, Tribal War Records, Final Warning, Jesus Chrust, ABC NO RIO, Farmageddon Growers’ Collective appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Neil Robinson of the bands Nausea, Slaughter, Warning, Final Warning, and Jesus Crust. Neil co-founded Squat or Rot and ran the Tribal War label and distro. He was also active in ABC NO RIO. Neil is now one of the founding members of the Farmageddon Growers’ Collective in Oregon/Washington. Neil and I spoke in his hand-made and electricity-less shack on the Farmageddon property just outside Portland, Oregon after a tour of the (very impressive) veganic farm. This is a long interview, every minute of which is well worth listening to. Neil recounts his life from growing up in and around London in a working class (and later middle class) family. Neil was taken by punk from its frenzied emergence from the muck of feel-good ’70s music. Soon Neil was immersed in the thriving anarcho-punk scene in London. (When he mentions some of the amazing bands he saw at that time, you will weep in jealousy.) We discuss Neil’s move to New York City and his immediate love affair with the Lower East Side and its thriving scene. Neil is frank about his involvement in the drug scene. Our talk ranges through squatting; the formation of the seminal crustcore band Nausea; starting Squat or Rot; dealing with skinheads in the ’80s NYHC scene; why he left Nausea; his other bands; and the long-running label/distro, Tribal War. We dig into Neil’s eventual disillusionment with NYC (part of it involves a pit bull biting off a girl’s nose) and moving to Portland, Oregon. In Oregon he was involved with some social/political/environmental activist organizations (one of which distributed communiques for E.L.F., the Earth Liberation Front, a domestic environmental terrorist organization). Neil’s involvement put him and his fellow activists under some serious scrutiny. We discuss the creation of and ideas behind the Farmageddon Growers’ Collective, which takes a radical approach to organic, ethical farming. This is an interview filled with colorful stories, a lot of history of the NYC hardcore punk and squatting worlds, and Neil’s thoughtfulness and good humor. Please note: As with a few other interviews I’ve conducted for this project (e.g. Martin Sprouse and Mark Anderson), Neil is not a Philadelphia person (though he played here with some of his bands and knows many fine Philly folks). I elected to interview Neil because all of his projects have had lasting influence on punks around the world (including me and many people I know). My own curiosity to meet the man himself coupled with the opportunity to do so when I was in Portland, Oregon to visit my friends Kathie and Jason led to this interview. I’m delighted to have Neil Robinson add his voice to this project. Farmageddon Growers’ Collective Facebook Page Neil Robinson’s Facebook Page The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 66: Neil Robinson of Nausea, Squat or Rot, Tribal War Records, Final Warning, Jesus Chrust, ABC NO RIO, Farmageddon Growers’ Collective appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Mark Andersen of Positive Force DC, We Are Family, and the… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 65: Mark Andersen of Positive Force DC, We Are Family appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Mark Andersen of Positive Force DC, We Are Family, and the books Dance of Days: Two Decades of Punk In the Nation’s Capital (co-authored with Mark Jenkins) and All the Power: Revolution Without Illusion. On the thirtieth anniversary of Washington, DC’s “Revolution Summer,” I wanted to celebrate and illuminate the event that sent reverberations out into the world that continue to resonate today. While Mark has nothing to do with the Philly punk scene this project focuses on, he’s like some other interview subjects (e.g. Martin Sprouse) whom I’ve elected to interview for being so influential on all punk scenes, including the Philly scene. Mark Andersen grew up on his parents’ farm in Montana. He never fit in there and was looking for something else, something to draw him away from the sad cycles of addiction and conformity he saw all around him. Mark’s salvation came in the form of the nascent punk scene. A few years later, Mark found himself in Washington, DC where harDCore reigned supreme and the scene was eating itself alive. Then came Revolution Summer, where committed members of the scene — many of whom, like Mark, were frustrated with the state of affairs both in the scene and in the world — came together to create a new, engaged scene. In our long interview, originally conducted in two parts in the same day, we talk about Mark’s upbringing, his discovery of punk (most critically, The Clash), coming to DC, straight edge, Revolution Summer, Positive Force DC, coming to the Catholic Faith, social activism, the We Are Family organization that reaches out to elderly people, and much more. In one of the best interviews of this project, Mark talks frankly about many subjects he’s never been interviewed about and he earnestly approaches all subjects with a rare and raw sensitivity. For more information about the Washington, DC hardcore punk scene, I recommend the following books: Banned In DC: Photos and Anecdotes From the DC Punk Underground (79-95) by Cynthia Connolly (1988) Dance of Days: Two Decades of Punk In the Nation’s Capital by Mark Andersen and Mark Jenkins (2001) And these documentaries: Positive Force: More Than A Witness; 30 Years of Punk Politics In Action directed by Robin Bell (2011) Salad Days: A Decade of Punk In Washington, DC directed by Scott Crawford (2014) Positive Force DC We Are Family The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 65: Mark Andersen of Positive Force DC, We Are Family appeared first on Cinepunx.

Stacey Finney guest interviews Jade, lead singer of the Philly hardcore band Posers. Jade is… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 64: Jade of Posers appeared first on Cinepunx.

Stacey Finney guest interviews Jade, lead singer of the Philly hardcore band Posers. Jade is musically talented (she began playing the piano at the age of three!), playing multiple instruments in addition to singing. Jade is originally from St. Louis, Missouri, but has lived in Philadelphia for the past two years and now calls this fine city her home. In this 90-minute interview, Jade shares her experiences about growing up in St. Louis and how she discovered the punk scene there. She gives her personal experiences and comparisons to St. Louis, Boston, and Philadelphia punk in general and why she feels so at home in Philly. Jade speaks candidly about her stance on women in the Philly punk scene and her views on feminism and female identity. Jade clearly differentiates between not giving a shit and apathy in her attempts to carve out what it means to challenge norms, be a punk in this generation/current iteration of the movement, and her commitment to go against the grain to create what is meaningful to her. Also discussed are the many challenges of punk ideals in terms of conflicting ideas and dichotomies that at times contrast what some consider the “core punk values.” Jade gives a fresh and current perspective to what is happening in the here and now over this 40-year span of punk culture that continues to thrive in new and varying forms. Posers Facebook Page         The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 64: Jade of Posers appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interview Mano Divina, the original drummer of Philly’s favorite hardcore punk band,… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 63: Mano Divina of The Divine Hand Ensemble, F.O.D. (Flag of Democracy) appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interview Mano Divina, the original drummer of Philly’s favorite hardcore punk band, F.O.D. (Flag of Democracy) and the founder of The Divine Hand Ensemble (with many bands in between). Mano Divina (that’s his legal first name) was raised by an Italian-American family who took great pleasure from all forms of music and sharing it with one another. Since Mano Divina claims he can’t remember most of his childhood, our discussion soon reaches his teenage years, which were fueled by his obsessive love of music and, by his early teens, his welcoming into the nascent Philly punk scene. Mano Divina speaks with infectious enthusiasm about the accepting nature of the Philly scene and the creative individuals with in it. It didn’t take long for Mano Divina help form F.O.D. and play their first show — one of the most (in)famous in hardcore history — with Minor Threat at Buff Hall in Camden, NJ (a show discussed in some other interviews in this series). In our wide-ranging interview we talk about Mano Divina’s time in and out of F.O.D. (one of the first ultra-fast bands of the early ‘80s who’re still amazing today); the many bands and studio sessions he played on; his tutelage under none other than Venusian-Philadelphia jazz god Sun Ra (!); the threat Philly’s blacks and punks received when Rizzo was mayor and after the MOVE debacle; moving into the electronic music/rave scene; Mano Divina’s discovery of the theremin and the impact it’s had on his life; the mystical roots of his name; my beloved prog rock (King Crimson! Jethro Tull!); and, of course, forming The Divine Hand Ensemble. The Divine Hand Ensemble brings something of a punk attitude the performance of classical music. Mano Divina lectures on science and the theremin to wide range of people, so his ability to communicate with all and sundry is evident in this interview. Our talk filled with great stories and high cheer. I think many will find Mano Divina’s D.I.Y. ethos to be a source of inspiration. Plus: the interview ends with an absolutely demented story! The Divine Hand Ensemble       The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 63: Mano Divina of The Divine Hand Ensemble, F.O.D. (Flag of Democracy) appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Pierce Jordan and Ruben Polo of the Philly hardcore band Soul… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 62: Pierce Jordan, Ruben Polo of Soul Glo appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Pierce Jordan and Ruben Polo of the Philly hardcore band Soul Glo. Soul Glo is a relatively young band, but in the short time they’ve caught the attention of many with the intensity of their performances and Pierce’s impassioned and confrontational lyrics. We talk about their upbringing as outsiders in both the black community and the largely white world of punk, how they came to Philadelphia and met, and how the band formed. Most essential to this interview is our discussion of the power of words, particularly the word “nigger,” which appears in Soul Glo’s lyrics. Since the word makes many in the black community as well as liberal whites rather uncomfortable (hence the substitution by some of the phrase “the n-word,” which the brain provides an immediate translation for, thus rendering it pointless semantic obfuscation), its appearance in the lyrics makes for a thoughtful discussion of race and language both in and out of punk. We also discuss role models, both those Pierce and Ruben grew up with, and the fact that by presenting themselves to strangers with their band, they may find that they too will be role models for others. In a conversation that may make some listeners uncomfortable at times, we discuss all this and more. It’s worth noting that as serious as some of the talk can be, Pierce and Ruben retain a cheerful sense of humor that comes through in our talk. Soul Glo Bandcamp Soul Glo Facebook The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 62: Pierce Jordan, Ruben Polo of Soul Glo appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Eric Hansen of the blazing and chaotic HC punk band Spent… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 61: Eric Hansen of Spent Flesh, FDH Records, Suicide Bong Tapes appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Eric Hansen of the blazing and chaotic HC punk band Spent Flesh and the man behind both FDH Records (just don’t ask him what the “FDH” stands for) and the marvelously named Suicide Bong Tapes. We talk about young Eric discovering punk as a kid in upstate New York and his enduring love for all sorts of music, most especially electronic music in its various forms. Eric’s love of music inspired him to release local NY bands (then later bands from all over) on his FDH label. Upon moving to Philadelphia, Eric co-founded a tape-only label (Suicide Bong) devoted entirely to releasing Philly bands. This recently culminated in a 44 band (!) cassette release that Spent Flesh took on their European tour. We talk about the controversy surrounding the end of shows at JR’s in South Philadelphia, the divisions between the South Philly (SPP!) and West Philly punk scenes, playing squats in Europe, incorporating experimental music elements within the framework of raging punk, and a great deal more. Eric earned my undying love for bringing me a boatload of records! Spent Flesh Bandcamp Page FDH Records Suicide Bong Tapes The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 61: Eric Hansen of Spent Flesh, FDH Records, Suicide Bong Tapes appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Jenna Pup of the trans queer grindcore band +HIRS+. We talk… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 60: Jenna Pup of +HIRS+ appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Jenna Pup of the trans queer grindcore band +HIRS+. We talk about Jenna growing up as an outsider and eventually coming to Philadelphia, where she came to an understanding of who she really is and what it would take to be that individual. We discuss gender and sexuality both in and out of the punk scene. Addressed at length is the impact of role models on young people and the responsibilities that come with being one (either by choice or by circumstance). Other subjects of discussion include the perils of substance abuse and suicide, especially among queer and trans young people; the difference between lyrical advocation of insurrectionary actions and actually engaging in them; the thriving underground community in West Philly; alcohol and the damage done; and a great deal more. Of note: The +HIRS+ Sexxxy Flexxxi EP (2015) features a sample of Tim Dunn from my interview with him here on L!F!P!. It appears on the last track, “A Few of Our Favorite Things.” +HIRS+ SRA Records +HIRS+ Bandcamp The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 60: Jenna Pup of +HIRS+ appeared first on Cinepunx.

Guest interviewer Greg Trout interviews David E. Williams. Since 1989 David has been a local music force… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 59: David E. Williams appeared first on Cinepunx.

Guest interviewer Greg Trout interviews David E. Williams. Since 1989 David has been a local music force that defies categorization. Equal parts singer/songwriter, crooner, mage, and prankster, his macabre tales and tunes comment on the human condition and the great wrong place in which we live. Mixing confessional and storytelling song styles, there is no one like David E. Williams. For over an hour Trout and David discuss David’s career, his place in Philadelphia, his time a purveyor of psychotronic literature as owner of Germ Bookstore, and his tastes, history, and obsessions. Supertramp gets mentions more than once. Photos by Greg Trout. David E. Williams’ official website       The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 59: David E. Williams appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Dave “Bass” Brown. Dave grew up around Philadelphia and started going… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY Episode 58: Dave “Bass” Brown of Negative FX appeared first on Cinepunx.

Joseph A. Gervasi interviews Dave “Bass” Brown. Dave grew up around Philadelphia and started going to underground/punk shows at the Hot Club in the late 1970s. He went on to form the band The Ecstatics with Cordy Swope, later of Ruin (and also interviewed in this series). Upon moving to Boston to attend the Berklee School of Music, Dave played in a band with Aimee Mann. Most essential for L!F!P!, Dave played drums in the short-lived but legendary Boston hardcore band Negative FX (with Jack “Choke” Kelly, later of Last Rights and Slapshot on vocals). We talk about the being in the band, their demo and sole LP, Dave’s disdain for the record’s Charles Manson cover, the tremendous influence this LP has had on bands on over the years, the infamous Choke, and the early HC scene. We also talk about some of Dave’s other music projects, like playing in The Lyres and the Straw Dogs, as well as releasing rare Philly soul records. This interview is preceded by a short (about four minutes) introduction by Joseph. Photos by Karen Kirchhoff     The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY Episode 58: Dave “Bass” Brown of Negative FX appeared first on Cinepunx.

Stacey Finney guest interviews Dallas Cantland, drummer of the punk band Thorazine. Listen in to… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 57: Dallas Cantland of Thorazine appeared first on Cinepunx.

Stacey Finney guest interviews Dallas Cantland, drummer of the punk band Thorazine. Listen in to hear how a young African-American male born to a Southern Baptist mother and Jehovah Witness father finds his way into the Philly punk scene. Dallas talks about growing up black in Philadelphia and the experiences that influenced him most in shaping who he is today. You will also learn about the soda sock of the Pantry Pride variety and other escapades that Dallas shares about his youth. Dallas speaks candidly about being one of the few black youths involved in punk and what that felt like for him growing up as well as his current observations looking back on those times. Included in this interview are two other Thorazine members, Elliot Taylor (guitar) and Dan Hoover (bass) who chime in at various parts of the interview, giving their perspectives on some of the topics discussed. Thorazine are a well known punk band that toured across the United States and Canada throughout the 1990s. They have recently re-formed, playing shows and writing new music. Side note: If you would like to hear more details about the band’s history, please listen to Jo-Ann Rogan’s interview. As the lead singer of Thorazine, Jo-Ann gives a fully-detailed account of the band’s incarnations, touring stories, and the story of their time playing in the ’90s. Photos by Stacey Finney     The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 57: Dallas Cantland of Thorazine appeared first on Cinepunx.

Stacey Finney guest interviews Rich Kaufmann, lead singer and guitarist of Electric Love Muffin (ELM)… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY Episode 56: Rich Kaufman of Electric Love Muffin, The Rolling Hayseeds appeared first on Cinepunx.

Stacey Finney guest interviews Rich Kaufmann, lead singer and guitarist of Electric Love Muffin (ELM) and The Rolling Hayseeds. Rich was born in Miami, Florida where he lived during the early years of his childhood. He eventually moved to North Wales, Pennsylvania, where he attended high school and discovered some of his early influences of punk music, progressive rock, and country. After moving to Philadelphia in the early 1980s, Rich became fully immersed in the punk scene, attending and playing hardcore shows. Rich talks about his experiences of being in ELM from 1984-1990 and touring the country with his band. This included opening for the Goo Goo Dolls, Mud Honey, and Rhythm Pigs. Rich openly discusses the successes as well as the pitfalls of being in ELM and their ultimate spiraling downward which led to the band’s demise. From sleeping with venomous spiders to getting arrested in Texas, Rich tells the many strange and funny tales of life on the road. After putting out three albums with ELM, Rich went on to play in the country band, The Rolling Hayseeds. The Rolling Hayseeds put out two albums and were WXPN radio favorites for several years. Rich also did a solo album with other musicians from the Philly area which he refers to as his greatest accomplishment. On a personal level, Rich talks about practicing Buddhism and his bout with throat cancer (which is in remission) and how it affected his singing voice. He discusses his involvement with Ruin for their August 2013 reunion show, where he was one of several local musicians asked to perform a song with them. Rich was receiving treatment for cancer at this time and was still quite ill. He was, however, able to perform and shares the energy he felt from this night. Rich further provides his perspective on the decades of punk and why it has retained its allure to the youth, including his view on how his experience in the punk realm has positively influenced him as a teacher today. Rich’s personal narrative provides a colorful timeline and unique historical perspective of his trip through three decades of punk and where it has landed him today. Photos by Stacey Finney     The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY Episode 56: Rich Kaufman of Electric Love Muffin, The Rolling Hayseeds appeared first on Cinepunx.

Stacey Finney guest interviews Jo-Ann Rogan, lead singer of the band Thorazine. Jo-Ann was born… The post LOUD! FAST! PHILLY! Episode 55: Jo-Ann Rogan of Thorazine appeared first on Cinepunx.