7 questions with Johnny Disaster of Cry Havoc!

Cry Havoc! is a punk / hardcore band from New Britain, CT. They play loud, they play fast and usually blast through a very quick very energetic set. They have become one of Connecticut's best and most playing punk bands. They have 2 albums available at shows and patacrecords.com. This is definitely one band to check out. I sat down with lead singer Johnny Disaster and asked a few questions. Here is some of those...



DHR - Describe Cry Havoc!

JD - WE ARE 4 FRIENDS THAT STARTED A PUNK HARDCORE BAND OVER 5 YEARS AGO IN NEW BRITAIN, CT. JESSE AND I HAD BEEN IN APUNK BAND THAT HAD BROKEN UP AND WE WANTED TO GET SOMETHING ELSE GOING. SO WE HAD OUR FRIENDS SK0T AND SNYDEROCK JUMP ON, AND CRY HAVOC! WAS BORN.


DHR - Everyone asks the bands influence. What are Your influences?

JD - WE'RE ALL INFLUENCED BY A TON OF DIFFERENT MUSIC AND BANDS. AS A WHOLE WE'RE MOSTLY INFLUENCED BY PUNK AND HARDCORE OF THE 80'S ERA. LIKE THE AMERICAN HARDCORE STUFF AND THE 80'S UK STUFF. BUT WE DRAW INFLUENCE FROM TONS OF PLACES.

DHR -Cry Havoc! Has been around for a few years now. Do you have any advice for all the new bands who want to have longevity?

JD - I WOULD SAY TO BE PATIENT. IT'S GONNA TAKE YOU A BIT TO GET YOUR NAME OUT THERE, IF YOU STICK IT OUT AND WORK HARD THINGS WILL PICK UP. IT'S ALL ABOUT HOW MUCH YOU PUT IN, BUT AS LONG AS YOU HAVE FUN DOING IT YOU'LL BE GOOD. NETWORKING IS KEY, GET TO KNOW THE OTHER BANDS AND PEOPLE IN THE SCENE.

DHR - Connecticut has always had a really good punk scene. How do you feel the CT punk scene is at the moment?


JD - I THINK THE CT SCENE IS REALLY GOOD RIGHT NOW, WITH EVEN BETTER THINGS ON THE HORIZON. I THINK RIGHT NOW a lot OF THE BANDS HAVE REALLY COME TOGETHER TO WORK TOWARDS PUTTING CT PUNK ON THE MAP, WHICH IS AWESOME. I ALSO THINK CT BANDS HAVE TO SLUG IT OUT HARDER TO GET OUT THERE SINCE THERE IS A SERIOUS CLUB SHORTAGE, WHICH I THINK HELPS BRING a lot OF US TOGETHER.

CT HAS SOME OF THE FUCKING RADDEST BANDS RIGHT NOW THAT EVERYONE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LIKE: SADPLANT, STRESSBOMB, M-13, THE BLACKNOISE SCAM, NO!, WESTSIDE INFECTION, PROGRESS, DAMN BROADS... THERE ARE a lot OF GREAT FUCKING BANDS.. TOO MANY TO LIST!

DHR - If you could join a CT punk band for a day who would it be?

JD - OH GOD...... THIS IS WAAAY TO HARD. STRESSBOMB IS THE SHIT, LOVE THOSE DUDES, THEIR NEW SHIT IS FUCKING SICK BY THE WAY!!. M-13 IS FUCKING INCREDIBLE ONE OF THE ABSOLUTE BEST BANDS GOING RIGHT NOW. WHEN FREEDOM DIES IS GETTING BACK TOGETHER. I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE IN A 90'S POSI-HARDCORE BAND. SADPLANT... I CANT SKATE THAT GOOD THOUGH SO I WOULDN'T LAST.. SHIT!!!

DHR - What is your favorite record of all time?

JD - DUDE.. I DON'T KNOW. I CAN NAME A FEW THAT WERE HUGE IMPACTS IN MY LIFE.... THIS IS BOSTON.. NOT LA comp // RANCID- LET'S GO // DYS – BROTHERHOOD // MINOR THREAT – DISCOGRAPHY // CRASS - CHRIST THE ALBUM// H20 – THICKER THAN WATER // THE EXPLOITED - TOTALLY EXPLOITED // 7 SECONDS – THE CREW... EARTH CRISIS, STRIFE, THE FREEZE, INTEGRITY, AMERICAN NIGHTMARE, BLACK FLAG... THIS COULD GO ON FOREVER....

DHR - Black Flag or Minor Threat?

JD - GAHHHHHHH... BLACK FLAG... MINOR THREAT..... I'LL GET BACK TO YA ON THAT ONE!

Cry Havoc! plays New Haven this Saturday at Elm Bar ( Former location of Rudy's) 372 Elm St. New Haven, Ct 9pm 21+ $3

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)

Al Pist interview

I recently sat down with Al Pist from The Deacons and asked him some questions. Here is part of that interview.

DHR- Describe the Deacons:

Al Pist - I think that The Deacons is the most unique band that I've ever been in. The one thing that I can truly say is that the band has got heart. Rich's songs all revolve around people that we know, and things going on in our lives and he puts his misfit perspective on it. The band is what it is. There's no pretense, posturing or in-your-face political message. We've also got a revolving door with members strewn all across the country, who show up and play when they can. Sort of a home for wayward souls who don't fit in anywhere else. Musically, it's kinda punk mod rock-n-roll skinhead hardcore.

DHR - you have been in what is arguably the best CT punk band of all time. although its not the same it was while The Pist were in their hey day, but how do you feel about the state of the Ct punk scene today?:

Al Pist - Aw shucks...I can't say that we were the best band, but I think we did a good job of getting the kids fired up and hopefully inspiring them the way that we were inspired by the bands that came before us...As far as the scene today, I see a pretty dedicated core of kids, especially from the Eastern part of the state that are making things happen. There's also places like the Whitney House in Hartford that are providing some awesome DIY basement shows, and giving people a place to hang out. New Haven's got a decent bar scene, and some spots to play, but it needs to fill that gap that Tune Inn left. There's good bands and good people there, but no place for the kids to go crazy.

DHR - What are your influences? Al Pist - More than anything, I'm influenced by what is around me at the moment. The bands that we play with, the other solo people that I play with, my friends, etc. Almost all the music I've ever loved was introduced to me by my friends. Starting out, some of my main influences were the old CT bands. Although I loved Minor Threat , 7 Seconds, DKs etc. our local scene really inspired me to start playing and writing music. 76% Uncertain, Lost Gen, NMOT, Vatican Commandos, Violent Children, Seizure. These bands all seemed like they were just a bunch of people like me, who weren't hung up on the fashion aspect of punk. They were more about the fun, the energy and the message.

DHR - you are also in another band called M13. What is the difference between the two bands?

Al Pist - M13 is a bastardized Brutally Familiar reunion band that is starting to flesh out its own sound and identity. At the moment, the lineups in M13 and The Deacons are pretty similar, but the music and the vibe is different. M13 is way heavier, faster and more direct. The aim is to bring it with intensity and take no prisoners.

DHR - If you could join another CT punk band for a day who would it be?

Al Pist - I always wanted to be in Brutally Familiar, and M13 is a close as I'll ever get so that'll have to do. As far as current bands...I don't think any of them need an old guy like me hanging around.

DHR - you have been all over the country playing shows. How would you say Connecticut rates in comparison to other punk scenes?

Al Pist - I think that we have as much going on here as anywhere else. Every scene has its good and bad points. We've got enough people involved to support touring bands when they come through, and we certainly have our share of decent bands that span a pretty wide range of punk and hardcore. As far as I can tell, everyone gets along with each other pretty well and there's not a lot of rivalry between bands and scenes.

DHR - What does the future hold for you and the Deacons?

Al Pist - For the Deacons? Who knows? Maybe some more new members...(we just got Mike from M13 on 2nd guitar.) Rich and drummer Mike LoPorto have been working on a set of the more quiet Deacons stuff that has more of an acoustic feel. We'd also like to get in the studio and record some songs that we never were able to do in the past. As for me...I just want to keep playing, writing and going to shows. It's really not as easy as it used to be, but the day that you stop pushing yourself and doing things that you think you can't do is the day your soul dies. I'm 41 now, and I see people in their 50s still doing it, and that keeps me inspired

Al and The Deacons are playing Elm Bar (372 Elm Street) in New Haven on Wednesday April 27th with Sadplant, and yes Please