7 questions with Ben Social

7 questions with Ben Social of Sadplant




Ben Social is the singer/guitarist of the Connecticut punk band Sadplant. If you dont know who this band is you should A.S.A.P. They have taken not only the thriving Connecticut punk rock scene by storm but most of western Massachusetts and all of New England on a complete joyride through a black hole of phenomenal punk rock over the past 3, almost 4 years. I sat down with Ben recently and here are some Questions i asked him.

D.H.R.- You've been involved in the Connecticut punk scene for awhile now. How do you feel about the state the"scene" is in right now?

BEN SOCIAL - its definitely better than it was 5 years ago and definitely worse than 10 years ago. im a glass half full guy so lets just say its better than it was 5 years ago.


D.H.R.- Do you think there are any bands today that have the "staying power" of bands of yesterday (ex - the Pist, Death Threat, Hatebreed)?

BEN SOCIAL - shit, tough one. every time i say shit like "this is the best band in CT" they break up within a month. i dont wanna jinx anybody.


D.H.R. - Sadplant covers some unusual songs like "Gay Bar" and "Dammit". Why do you choose these songs as opposed to more traditional punk songs?

BEN SOCIAL - i dig hearing bands cover shit like minor threat and black flag, but i know playing blink bums kids out and i get off on it. fuck the kids.


D.H.R. - What are your main influences?
BEN SOCIAL - motorhead, the jerks, black flag, old school shit. they influence the shit out of me, im just no good at ripping their sound off.


D.H.R. - It seems there is a plethora of Sadplant material. Do you have an immense back catalog, or are you just a hit machine?

BEN SOCIAL - i can write 5 songs in a day some days. i dont have alot to do.


D.H.R. - What C.T. city do you like playing in the most and why?
BEN SOCIAL - i like new london alot, kids come out and are pretty fucking nice to me....yeah, new london without a doubt


D.H.R. - If you could join one band for a day who would it be?
BEN SOCIAL - fuck! any band that is touring alot i guess, i would love to stay on the road.

Check Sadplant out on the web at www.myspace.com/sadplant.

December 4th

December 4th 2010 is another great Die Hipster show. It takes place at Cherry Street Station in Wallingford, CT. on the bill is the band voted "best punk band" in New haven by the readers of the "New Haven Advocate" The Black Noise Scam. Also playing is grunge/punk rockers Murdervan from New Haven, Ct, Skate Punks Sadplant, and 10piece ska band The Hemsteadys hailing from New London, Ct. Don't miss this show. its going to be a party.

The Field Recordings

So i dont normally go nuts about bands that i dont know. However last night i saw The field recordings. They are from Southern Connecticut and although its not normally my style of music i totally dug it. They call them selves "noise pop", i just say "really fucking good". I also feel like being cool dudes and talking all night is a huge plus. there are alot of bands that stay to themselves when they are at a show. Check them out for yourself. http://www.thefieldrecordings.com/

Murdervan Returns!

It has been just about a year now, maybe even over a year since Murdervan has played their last show. Maybe they broke up? Maybe a little hiatus? I really don't know? What i do know is that on October 21st at Cafe 9 in New Haven Ct Murdervan returns! Check them out http://www.myspace.com/murdervan. Also playing that show is all girl punk rock band from Connecticut The Damn Broads, "New Havens best punk band" as voted my the New haven Advocate and it's readers B.N.S. ( the Black Noise Scam), and D.J. Live Mike. There is no cover posted on the cafe 9 Website yet, so this leads me to believe that it is FREE!!!!. As always the show is 21+, ans starts at 9pm

Punk show aug 10th in Milford

The Shutdown ( on tour from Milwaukee ww.myspace.com/theshutdownrnr)
The Black Noise Scam
West Rockers
The Hulls ( DEBUT show feat: Kevin MacKenzie, Matt Gawel, Jess Corbett & John Meah)

Last show at the old Rudy's

So The Black Noise Scam is playing the last ever show at one of my fav watering holes. If you dont know by now you ahve been in a cloud in New Haven, but Rudy's is closing and the last ever show is july 31st. Its pretty much going to be a huge party. Also playing is Nasty Disaster - new havens answer to spinal tap- and The Boardlords - skate punks from Port Chester

live TBNS

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NK53oDOatBU

July 31, 2010

So Rudy's in New Haven is closing its doors at their Elm Street location after 76 years. Countless number of nights i have staggered out of there, raised a pint ( or even a pitcher), ate some amazing food, make great friends, and seen some awesome bands. Yes the place is moving ( 3 blocks west to Chapel & Howe st) and the owner said he will try and keep it the same, but there is nothing like the atmosphere of the "old Rudy's". With that on July 31st The Black Noise Scam, Nasty Disaster ( new havens answer to Spinal Tap) and NY Skate Punks The Boardlords are rumored to be closing the old joint forever. Should be an insane night. "Some people will cry" i was told. Look for me there.

"DOWNTOWN SKUNK"

We are about to release the first record ( cd) by Connecticut punk band L.A. Trash tiled "Downtown skunk". the cd will officially be out on April 6th. contact us @ www.myspace.com/diehipsterproductions for a FREE copy of the L.A. Trash disc.

L. A. Trash - "Downtown Skunk"

We are about to release the first record ( cd) by Connecticut punk band L.A. Trash tiled "Downtown skunk". the cd will officially be out on April 6th. contact us @ www.myspace.com/diehipsterproductions for a FREE copy of the L.A. Trash disc.

March 28, 2010

Sunday Feb 28, 2010.

All Ages Matinee show at The Space In Hamden