7 Questions with Kevin MacKenzie of The Hulls

The Hulls (www.facebook.com/thehulls) are the newest Punk sensation in the Elm City. Kevin MacKenzie who finally steps out from behind the drunm kit fronts The Hulls. We recently sat down with Kevin and asked him some questions. Here are some of those Questions.

DHR -I've heard The Hulls described many ways. Some say 70's British style punk, some say Boston Oi Punk. How would you describe The Hulls?

KM - I would describe The Hulls as just a punk rock band. We're not trying to be any style in particular. Personally, my punk rock influences include all of the above and then some. I'm pretty sure the rest of the guys would say the same. Our songs are about things we go through in daily life - work, relationships, etc. I guess we've got that working class band thing because we're all working class guys who have working class jobs. Two of us are union members and the current climate of the country is a really scary thing for us. Especially locally in New Haven: people lose their jobs, education budgets get cut, crime goes up. It's not rocket science. So I guess you could say that's how our politics are shaped. I guess what I'm trying to say is that this band isn't about labels!

DHR -You have been in punk bands in New Haven for a number of years now. Most notably No Image and Disaster Party. What sets The Hulls apart from other bands you have played with?

KM - For me, the biggest difference that sets The Hulls apart from any of the other bands I've been in is that I'm not playing drums! I've been really fortunate that in the last 15 years of playing in bands I've been able to play with friends and have a good time playing the music that we wanted to play. The Hulls are no different. We've all been friends for years and with this band we're playing what we want to play the way we want to play it. We like it and hopefully other people do too. If not, we're still going to do what we do. I'm going to write songs about things that are important to me set to music that sounds good to me. If the guys like it, then that's good enough for me.

DHR - What band(s) are you currently obsessed with at the moment?

KM- "Currently Obsessed"? I've been obsessed with the Swingin' Utters ever since I bought "The Streets of San Francisco" back in 1995 or so. Their new record is amazingly great just like everything else they've ever done, and I've been listening to that a lot lately, so I'll start there.

DHR- The Beatles or The Kinks?

KM - Are The Who an option? No? OK, The Kinks then.

DHR - What do you think the New Haven music scene is missing to make it better than it currently is?

KM - I think the New Haven scene has been missing an all ages venue since the Tune Inn closed. The bar scene is good, but I remember what it was like to be underage and not be able to see bands or play out anywhere because we were underage. I think it would definitely add to the New Haven scene, I'd love to play more all ages shows.

We also need people to come out more to the local shows that are going on in New Haven. I know money's tight for a lot of us these days, but support for local bands is key.

DHR - What local band would you like to join for a day?

KM - Aren't the Defcon Five back together? And last time I checked, there's only four of them. I can play guitar. They can't count. Seems like a match made in punk rock arithmetic heaven.

DHR - What is your favorite record of all time?

KM - Can I give you a top five, in no particular order, that I can listen to at any given moment?

- Miles Davis - Kind of Blue

- The Clash - London Calling

- Black Flag - Damaged

- The Pogues - Rum, Sodomy, & the Lash

- Bob Dylan - Blonde on Blonde

I could go on and on...

catch Kevin and The Hulls along with Sadplant & Play It Faster at Cafe 9 in New Haven Wednesday July 6th!! 9pm 21+

7 questions with Meghan Killimade

Meghan Killimade runs wailingcity.com, she is also the drummer for Bedroom Rehab Corporation. I recently sat down with her to ask her some questions. It went something like this...

1. How would you best describe Bedroom Rehab Corporation?

Well the first thing people will notice is that there are just two of us – just bass and drums. We’ve been calling it “post grunge doom rock” although I’m not sure that completely describes the whole sound. It’s a sludgy brand of punk with a touch of 90’s rock/hardcore that doesn’t need guitar to carry melody. Adam’s love for bass effects and pedals really allows us to tap into some psychedelic sounds that add elements of drone and noise. There’s a lot of different genre’s mixed in – but one thing is for certain – it’s heavy, it’s loud and it’s definitely rockin’.

2. New London has a great music scene. Do you have any advice for a New Haven music scene that is trying to rebuild?

I think it’s important to get out to shows and support the bands/musicians that are playing - get to know your scene, support it and get involved. Getting the word out that shows are happening is also key. Bands forget to flyer, promote, and do the leg work for their shows – you have to do your homework to create that buzz. Also very important: working together. New London has just started to learn that it’s not all about one person or one band that creates a scene – it’s about getting a team together and working to create really successful and fun events/projects. There are so many great examples of this for New London right now: The Whalie Awards, I AM Festival, Hygienic’s annual art show (ETC!). So many people from all areas of our scene, (musicians, artists, media, show goers), work extremely hard to make these events happen. The more hands and ideas involved – the better and stronger your scene will be. It encourages more people to take pride in their music scene and city.

3. There is always a new group of bands surfacing in New London. Are there any new(er) bands you are really excited about?

I’m really digging Anchors Of ’76 (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Anchors-of-76/186253648058468), right now – they’re a great new rock band that unofficially debuted at The Whalie Awards last month – they’ve got an official debut at Oasis on June 18th. There’s also Wrist Like This (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100002318504261), which is quite a New London ‘super-group’ if you will – they’ve got quite a buzz going right now. Their next show is at Oasis July 23rd, (if they don’t book something before then). Everyone should check out both bands!
4. You are in a few different bands. All with a different sound. If you had to pinpoint one musical style as your favorite what style would it be?

I’m really all over the place when it comes to music I like so this is really hard question for me. I grew up on punk and ska so that’s always going to be a huge part of me, but I’d say overall I’m a sucker for rockabilly, and good old fashion rock’n’roll.

5. What is your favorite record of all time?

Oh how I hate this question. So hard to say just one and especially of all time! One album I know I will forever play over and over again, and BLARING, is The Royale Brothers (self titled). Speaking of – “Royale Reunion” on July 30 at Stash’s – benefit for the Phil Agins scholarship – more details at www.wailingcity.com.

6. Outside of New London where is your favorite club or city to play in?

I absolutely love Portland, Maine and their music scene – a great example of a port city built around arts and music. They have really awesome clubs and venues and have an extremely strong arts community. There are so many things about this city I love. Both New London and New Haven should pay great attention to their example!

7. If you could join 1 New Haven band for a day who would it be?

I’d probably have to say Cavemen Go - they always have so much fun on stage!!! Love them! I also love Crooked Hook, although I’m not sure if they’re still around …

catch Bedroom rehab corporation as part of the "New London Invasion" in association with the Ideat Village festival June 16th at Elm Bar (372 elm st new haven)