Cry Havoc/The Lost Riots split 7"

Punk Is alive and well and the Upstart Antisocial Campout happened....

No one knew what to expect about the Antisocial Campout. It was the first installment from the organizers of the annual Upstart Fest (http://upstartfest.com/). However, in the days that followed the weekend long punk festival in East Durham, NY at the Blackthorne Resort, the punks are still talking, and the talks are good. There was a major sense of unity all weekend long. Every band sounded great, and for once it seemed as if punk ruled the world again.

The Blackthorne Resort seemed as if it was something out of the 1950's. Peacocks and goats roaming the grounds, a kinda creepy children's playground, a giant robot upon the entrance, and it even had a haunted house! The weather couldn't have been more perfect, aside from a freak rain storm Sunday morning in the dawning hours. Those of us who stayed in tents woke up in puddles and pools. I'm willing to bet that 100% of the people there fell in love with the campground. Hell, one would've though it was some sort of hippy fest with the amount of comradery that was at the Backthorne all weekend.

seriously how creepy is that?

Friday kicked off around 5 p.m. with Exit 17 ( www.exit17.bandcamp.com) and they set the pace for the weekend to come. Girth Control from Albany (www.facebook.com/girthcontrol) and one of the best bands of the weekend, OC45 from Boston, ( http://www.OC45Sucks.com) followed suit. One of the highlights of the night was pop punk legends, The Prozacs (www.theprozacs.bandcamp.com). They set the stage for punk rock icon Cheetah Chrome of the Dead Boys, who, let's face it if you need to read about punk rock you shouldn't start here, but maybe start with going to the record store and buying "Young, Loud, and Snotty." The evening continued outside with Big D and The Kids Table, and New Jersey rockers, Lost in Society (www.lostinsociety.bandpage.com).  After Lost in Society, the night went indoors with the absolutely incredible New Red Scare (www.facebook.com/NewRedScare), who ripped through a rather tight set considering everyone was pretty well intoxicated. not just the band, but I mean everyone.  New Red Scare singer, Bill Gwynn, had everyone on the edge of their seats (or toes rather, because we were all standing) gyrating around the floor like he was Stiv Bators, or better yet, Iggy Pop. They were easily one of the best bands all weekend long. Russian punks, The Svetlanas, were one of the most anticipated bands at the festival who did a surprise set around 1 a.m. Not a single person was disappointed. Actually, everyone was pretty much blown away by their intensity. Punkoleum Magazine called them, "The Most Dangerous Band In The World." That is quite an understatement. Rounding out the absolutely incredible day and night was New York City's own Enziguri ( www.facebook.com/enziguripunx) who carry the flame for one of the greatest punk cities in the world. They are fast, sweaty, kinda sound like H2O but better (ya I said that) and it was a perfect way to end the first night of the Antisocial Campout.

The Prozacs

11 a.m. Saturday came around and a good bunch of campers went to the bar (I never got the name of that bar) for the "Punk Comedy Brunch" featuring JT Habersaat (www.http://jtcomedy.com/index/), who spent some time with Henry Rollins and who is actually heavily associated with Upstart Fest. He was hilarious-bouncing around topics that most people dance around like politics, race, religion, and well, punk rock.



At high noon Saturday the music started to take flight with many bands including the Catskills area's own Phantom Sleeze (www.facebook/FantomScuzzzz.com), Long Island's answer to Fugazi, In Circles (www.incirclesmusic.com), Stiletto Bomb (www.stilettobomb.bandcamp.com) which features members of western Massachusetts pop punks, The Prozacs, Connecticut all female trio Damn Broads (www.damnbroads.com), who were one of the highlights of the whole festival, their friends, two time award winning CT punks (2013 & 2014 CT Music Awards for "Best Punk"),  The Lost Riots (www.thelostriots.bandcamp.com), Westchester County Trio The Jukebox Romantics (www.facebook.com/TheJukeboxRomantics), who had everyone dancing, jumping, smiling, and just about any emotion that can make one just absolutely love a band. The day went on and included a second stage of acoustic acts played inside. People split time between the two, maybe to catch a bit of the air conditioning that was being pumped into the bar, or maybe to take in everything the campout had to offer.

The Lost Riots

The afternoon turned into evening and that made way for Two Fisted Law (www.twofistedlaw.com), who continue to raise the bar for everyone. Good thing they went on in the evening on Saturday, and not Friday, because they are one of the best bands in the northeast and those would've been big shoes to fill. Now the dark came and the punks were ready to dance as Mephiskapheles took the stage and made the whole place dance their asses off. Their horns echoed through the Blackthorne. I even think the goats were dancing. Before people had a chance to settle down, The Svletlanas were back for round two. The crowd drew close, but not that close, for fear that the front woman, Olga, would rip their American heads off. Once again they did not disappoint-a total destruction to all senses and the one band everyone was talking about. New York City Hardcore legends Sheer Terror ended the Antisocial Campout and gave a lesson on how to kick ass to all the youngins out there who were probably not even alive when the band started back in 1984. 

Now days apart from that weekend I could go on record saying the Antisocial Campout was one of the coolest experiences I have ever had and I'm proud that I was a part of it. I only hope that it happens again for years to come. I'm looking forward to the Upstart Fest coming around in the next few weeks at various locations throughout the northeast. Here's to Travis, JT, Gina and everyone at Upstart and Altercation Records, props to the sound guys who did a phenomenal job, and to punks everywhere who cringe when we hear people say "punk is dead." Punk is alive and well and September 9th and 10th, 2016 was living proof.  Cheers!

I do want to disclose that i am in fact the singer of The Lost Riots. however what a hell of a weekend it was.

Get to know Bob Rock.

Bob "Rock" Breychak has been a staple figure in the New Haven music scene for a few years now. He has been one of the biggest supporters of any band that plays the Elm City and even bands that don't.  Rock has also been the back bone of some of the best bands we have seen in the past decade. He is quiet and reserved but attacks the drums with reckless abandon. He currently plays in The Hulls, Saint Cobra and The Ramones tribute band The Hymans. You probably know who he is already but in case you don't, get to know Bob Rock.....

Who is Bob Rock?

BR - Whelp, most people know 'Bob Rock' as the famous producer for bands like Metallica, Motley Crue, The Cult, and Aerosmith, to name a few. People in New Haven started to assign that name to me in the early 2000s, I think probably because they couldn't pronounce my last name. In addition I've mainly performed in 'rock' based groups and tend to hit a bit harder on the kit. I also didn't shy away from the name either, so I guess it just ended up sticking.

You’ve been a staple in the New Haven music scene for well over a decade now. How do you feel about the state of the scene these days?

BR - I've always felt that New Haven has been pretty consistent in its ability to produce great music and great bands, and I feel that continues to this day. For a relatively small city though, New Haven can feel pretty disjointed at times, especially amongst its different musical factions (perhaps this is a reflection of the city as a whole?). In addition, New Haven has definitely caught the gentrification bug, as many cities across the country have. Regardless, I feel like things are on the up for the scene. I was especially happy to see the opening of College Street Music Hall which, although geared towards national touring acts, I feel has invigorated New Haven's musical community a bit. In the end, as long as there's people around who care about local, original music, things will be okay.

What band from your past would you like to play again for just one show?

BR - In all honesty, I'd be psyched for all of them to get back together at some point or another although, logistically speaking, that probably won't happen. I think it's okay for me to reveal here that there has been some real talk of Puckish reforming for a show sometime soon. That band just kind of ended without any real closure and it would be great to be on stage with those guys again.

Check out Puckish ->  https://puckish.bandcamp.com/

What is your favorite venue past or present to play in?

BR - Tough question as I've had the privilege to play in many places over many years. For me New Haven's Cafe Nine or Three Sheets (aka 'old' Rudy's) have always felt like home. The pre-2003 incarnation of the Space in Hamden was a pretty special place as well.

What is up with Saint Cobra these days?

BR - After a busy 2014, we've spent much of 2015 regrouping after some lineup changes. We recently had the privilege of performing at the Spaceland Ballroom in Hamden, which was our first show with new guitarist Spencer O'Doy. Currently, we're working on new material and hope to move forward into 2016 with more shows and, possibly, a record.

Click here for Saint Cobra

What is going on with The Hulls?

BR - The Hulls have been getting some great exposure lately opening for bands like The Queers, Fang, and Spring Heeled Jack, as well as making an appearance on the latest 'Cashing in on Christmas' comp. We're currently prepping our debut full-length record and are also putting together our 5th annual 'Deck the Hulls' Xmas show (this year's will be Dec. 12th at Three Sheets, New Haven). So yeah, lot's going on.

The Hulls - "Everything Changes (But Me)"

Aside from any band you have been in what would you say is your all-time favorite New Haven band?

BR - Hands down, the Vultures. Anytime I hear that they are playing shows, I make it a point to try and catch them. Probably one of the most unique and consistent bands from New Haven, ever.

What are your top 5 favorite records of all time?

BR - So, questions like this are pretty much impossible to answer without excluding tons of great music. There are definitely certain records I find myself coming back to again and again though, especially ones I listened to during my formative years. With that said, here are my current top 5 (not in order):

Nirvana - In Utero (1993) - The first record I really connected with. I can still to this day put this record on and connect with it on a pretty deep level.

The Clash - London Calling (1979) - In terms of early punk rock or just straight up rock, this record does it all for me. 

Pixies - Doolittle (1989) - Although their abstractive nature and, as of late, endless reunion shows have put off some people, this record (maybe along with Surfer Rosa) always find their way back on my stereo at some point or another.

Weezer - Weezer (Blue Album) (1994) - Kind of like a warm fuzzy blanket that also hits at the right levels (both musically and lyrically).

Radiohead - The Bends (1995) - I know, I know, Ok Computer and Kid A may be better albums but The Bends is my favorite. It's also probably the best album to listen to on a rainy Sunday afternoon.

I know personally you have written some songs. Any plans on following fellow Hull Kevin Mackenzie and stepping away from the drum kit to front a band?

BR - Yeah, I've actually been writing (or attempting to write) songs from a pretty young age, even pre-dating my experience as a drummer. I've never had the confidence in both the quality of the songs, or my own abilities as a singer/melodic instrumentalist to present them at all. I've made some strides in recent months though, so there may well be some solo performances/projects in the near future.

What is your Favorite movie?

BR - Donnie Darko (2001). I didn't see it for the first time until 2006 but it cut pretty close to the state of mind I was in then. To this day, whenever I watch it I feel simultaneously comforted and yet oddly out of place.

Outside of playing music what drives you?

BR - I actually have a considerable amount of interests outside of music including graphic/web/spatial design, creative writing, and Buddhist meditation. As long as what drives you feels true and fulfilling, you most likely can't go wrong.

What would you say is the most memorable show you have every played?

BR - Another difficult question. There are so many shows I want to mention here but really can't otherwise I'd go on forever. Three that stick out in my mind are The Sarcastics' January 2002 show at the Tune Inn, Puckish's May 2004 show at BAR opening for The Thermals and The Hold Steady, and Crossroads' show at Toad's Place in May of 2000. The Tune Inn show was the second to last night of the club's existence and had us opening for Mark Mulcahy and Ray Neal (both ex-Miracle Legion) and the Butterflies of Love. I remember packing up my drum kit (which acted as back line for the night) while listening to Cheap Trick's 'Surrender' on the club's PA pretty vividly. The BAR show was on Memorial Day weekend and was so packed that the crowd was being pushed into the front room. The Toad's show was a Battle of the Bands (which Crossroads lost) but it was nonetheless an awesome experience, memorable to me especially since it was the only show I've played that both of my parents attended together.

If you could start over and do it again would you?

BR - No one can go back.

What does the future hold for Bob Rock?

BR - I'd like to kick around long enough to see some success with the projects I'm involved with, and maybe branch out into other future projects as well. In the end though, I feel like it would be foolish to make grand plans for the future when there are so many variables at play. I think all I can hope for is health and the ability to let myself roll with the punches, because there will definitely be punches.

Get to know Adam Wujtewicz of BEDROOM REHAB CORPORATION

Bedroom Rehab Corporation are about to release their second record in just a few days. They are arguably one of the best in the state for what they do. BRC combines many music forms and at times can be tough to pinpoint, however that is is good thing. They are parts metal, doom, sludge, punk, ambient, and badass rock n roll. They arent content with staying home and playing their local stages every weekend. BRC gets out there and they get out there alot. Playing all parts Northeast. They have a dedicated following in places like Worcester, MA and Portland, Maine. With the release this saturday at 33 Golden st Bedroom Rehab will most likely become a household name in the underground metal scene. There is a listening party at The Telegraph record store before all hell breaks loose on Golden St. Come down to New London this saturday night and pick up 'Fortunate Some.

How would you best describe Bedroom Rehab Corporation?

AW - We're a rock band with no guitars and a schizophrenic amount of influences! Heavy Psychedelic or "Stonegaze" would be more genres I guess but I don't have an easy answer for this. It's heavy, riff centric rock tunes with doom arrangements and fits of violent noise. I could probably go on and on with my philosophy of what we do and why we do it but I'm convinced that it will all come out as far less conceded and contrite sounding if I let it all come out in my answers to the other questions

You have a new record about to be released. What are the differences between this and the last record "Red Over Red"?

AW - First and foremost I think the big difference in the songs on Fortunate Some as opposed to Red Over Red is melody. There is a lot more singing on FS and I think it makes it a far more emotive record. I think ROR was a great place for us to start and learn about in the studio and as songwriters. On FS we took all the things we did on ROR and jammed them into every song. Melody, noise, quiet, loud, heavy, riff riff riff, scream. We worked on expanding each of these ideas and fleshing it all out. This all comes out to a 4 song album that is is only 10 minutes shorter than our 10 song album. Justin's production is also way bigger on FS. So many more amps, tons more low end, tricks and bells and whistles without ever sounding like we made anything to slick. The man is a wizard and incredibly easy to work with. I don't know that I'd ever bother to record with anyone else. He really gets us as a band and as people and that's super rare.

BRC is like a machine lately playing all parts Northeast.  What is the best thing about being out and about as opposed to playing in your hometown?

AW - Meeting new people and seeing new bands. We've met a ton of awesome people playing music in other towns and states and that is half of the reason we book shows now. I mean we want to rock out and we want to sell records but the people are what make it worthwhile. The 3 bands we have on our release party are not only people we respect as musicians and like to here play but they are all good friends of ours and none of them are from New London. We also like to learn about new bands so we can bring them back to New London and be like "look who we found!", we want to be able to spread the word.

What is your favorite venue? Past or present.

AW - I always like playing at the El N Gee because the stage was big and you had a good chance for the sound to be stellar. Plus there's just such a history there. So many greats have gone through. Plus I got to play with Weedeater there so... yeah I guess the El N Gee wins. RIP.

 ( the El N Gee as it stands today)

If you could join another band for a day what band would it be?

AW - If I could play in any band for a day I think I would probably be a noise guy for Clamfight. They are super awesome dudes who play kick ass music and I would just like to do a set giving them some extra added violence and atmosphere. They would throw me out for grandstanding and generally destroying their on stage dynamic but I would have fun and we'd all get sweaty and hug it out later.

How many pedals do you actually have? and do you really use em all?

AW - Well on the board right now I have 18. I do use them all even if it's just for tweaking noise rather than coloring my bass tone but they all have a purpose. I recently paired it down a little bit. I took some distortion pedals I wasn't using off but I did put some delay pedals back on. I find the noise actually helps me write songs and riffs. The different tones give me different feelings and put our different vibes so they color the sound of the bass but they also color the way I play. So they're not just window dressing, they are as much part of the song as the bass itself. I could not tell you how many pedals i have in my collection in general though. I am completely addicted to Distortion and Fuzz pedals and I'm always looking for something just a little different or uglier or smoother or whatever. I love fuzz, I need it! but yeah I've got a great deal of pedals beyond what's on my board that i don't use very often. I may switch them out at any time though so keep your eyes peeled.

"When All You've Got is a Hammer" video. check it out. 

As part of the New London music scene what would you say is the best thing about New London?

AW - Best thing about New London right now is 33 Golden Street. Gene and Craig welcome us and the bands we bring to town with open arms and treat us like royalty. It's a small basement club and I like that vibe as well. So yeah without a doubt 33 is the best thing.

(inside 33 Golden St.)

Where was the new record recorded?

AW - We recorded Fortunate some at Sonelab in Easthampton Mass with Justin Pizzoferrato. Same place and same team as Red Over Red but we all learned so much from that experience we thought we should go back and see how far we could progress with each other. Right now I don't know that I'd bother to go anywhere else. RECORD AT SONELAB!!!

What does the future hold for BRC after the new record is released?

AW - Write more, play more, promote more. Move forward and don't look back. We're going to be expanding our reach in the months to come. Hopefully, Philly, Baltimore and some other places. No full fledged tours in the near future but certainly trying to work our way further out into the world. I just want to keep getting better and see how far we can push things. I've got some song brewing with sounds we've barely touched on yet and we haven't even put out Fortunate Some yet which I think is a huge leap forward. We're only starting to come into our own, the sonic world is our oyster and I plan to schuck it raw!

What do you think sets you guys apart from the other duo bands?

AW - I think the thing that sets us apart from duo bands within the genre is choruses. I like hooks but there aren't many in doom. I want to bring the hook into doom. I also think that Meg is very much a rock/punk-centric drummer and it gives our music a different feel then a lot of bands we play with. As far as duo bands outside our sonic realm I think the fact that I'm playing a bass and generally only one note at a time and manage to sound full without a hundred amps is something that sets us apart. i don't want to learn a new instrument and i don't want to lug anymore gear so i put the time in effort into pedals and settings.

What are your top 5 favorite records of all time?

AW - Tom Waits - Rain Dogs: It's bizarre and perfect. The man does not now what the word conventional is yet he always comes out with things that seem to resonate with a ton of people. Rain Dogs I think will alway be his most low down and also most loving record.

Pearl Jam - VS: Yup love them and this was one of the first tapes I ever purchased with my own money. The guitar sounds on that record are unparralleled and I don't give a damn what anyone says Eddie Vedder's voice is one of my all time favorites. I feel like rock bands used to play songs with different tempos and do heavy tunes as well as ballads before things got to genre specific. VS is just a great rock record that covers a lot of bases.

Sleep - Dopesmoker: This is stoner rock! 1 song, 63 minutes, ALL RIFF!!! just the shear audacity of the thing makes me giggle and it's powerful from start to finish.

Thelonious Monk - Criss Cross: The man can make you cry or jump for joy and is brilliant at both. This was probably the first jazz record I ever bought and still a favorite. Something about Monk's timing just gets me in the heart strings. It's far from perfect in a traditional sense but the notes are always there when you need them and never when you don't.

Face to Face - Face to Face: Love the songs, love the bass lines. This is an album from my late teens/early 20's that i will never tire of. It's back when pop-punk was more punk then pop and that makes a huge difference.

What are you currently listening to?

AW - Literally at this very moment I am listening to Pyramids - A Northern Meadow. one of 2015's most interesting releases as far as I'm concerned. it's like if Radiohead and Wolves in the Throne Room had a child and it was raised by My Bloody Valentine. I can't get enough of it. I've been listening to a lot of things that are using shoegaze type tones in different genres where you wouldn't think the influence would belong but it works. it just gives things a gloom but it also makes them lush and airy. Plus Pyramids includes Collin Marston on this record and he can do no wrong in my eyes. So yeah, A Northern Meadow. Check it out.

When not kicking ass on stage or recording brutal albums what else drives you?

AW - I like American whiskey and craft beer a lot! I take trips to some breweries and try to sample different things when I can. It's a very interesting time for the booze industry and i think people are being more creative than ever even with a limited number of ingredients. The smallest changes in recipes or the way things are cooked or stored can make such a huge difference and I'm digging the results. I also like comics a lot. Saga, Bone, Hellblazer, East of West, Rat Queens as well as some of your standard Batman, Spiderman, Daredevil type things. Never grew out of it and i guess i never will. i think comics are in an interesting place as well. the old fans are growing up and becoming writers and artists and instead of writing for a younger audience they're writing for themselves with amazing results. I also have a great family that is still growing these days and I'm finding more and more that I am enjoying the younger generation and helping to try and make them descent people. The world needs more of them. I think for me and a lot of other people family = hope in the future and that's something i was in short supply of for a long time.

Where you born in the right decade?

AW - I honestly think i should have been born in the early 70's so i could have enjoyed the scene more in the late 80's and early 90's. I had great love for grunge but never got to see the bands at their peak or at all. I think i was really close to where i belonged and got to see where i belonged just not from the front row.

Black Sabbath or Deep Purple?

AW - Sabbath. The answer will always be Sabbath. It's in my DNA.

If you could drink 1 beer for the rest of your life what would that beer be?

AW - Igor's Dream from 2 Roads brewing Co. Yup that's right, I would drink a CT beer for the rest of my life. Drink Local!!! It's a Russian Imperial Stout aged in Rye Whiskey barrels that only comes out once a year in January. I would buy a ton of it and ration it throughout the year. probably wouldn't drink much during the summer though. Can I still drink whiskey and Gin?

What is so cool about being in a band anyway?

AW - Sharing your vision with anyone who will listen and some that don't even want to. I'm scarcely ever more "me" then when i have a bass in my hands, pedals at my feet and a mic in my face. There is nothing like it, playing live whether people are reacting or not your body surges and your spirit just takes hold. The demons come out, the world goes away and you get to let everything go for a while. Hearing something you've recorded is like watching a child be born. You created it, you nurtured it into existence. I hate to get all existential on you but it really is what makes it for me. It's the intangibles that are created by playing music. i just love the music.

 Would you like to add anything else?

AW - Go see bands. Buy Records. Wear their T-Shirts. Pay the cover charge. Those of you that do, we are eternally grateful. Thank you for listening.t

7 Questions with J Prozac

 If you don't know who The Prozacs are then you aren't a punk rock fan in the Northeast. After releasing a slew of albums, singles, and splits frontman J Prozac has since released  a solo record and formed the Stiletto Bomb, and Doubtfire. To say he is a busy man is an understatement. Stiletto Bomb plays Three Sheets in New Haven on Friday September 25th. Check out 7 questions and go to Three Sheets fr a kick ass show.

 
1. Who are you and what do you want?

J. Prozac -  I'm J Prozac and I want to rock!

2. You have a new project Doubtfire out now. What is the story behind the band?

J Prozac -  Doubtfire is a studio colaboration with Bil McRackin, front egg of the 20+ year Vancouver, Canadian punk band the McRackins. Our bands split a 7" a few years back, and we got to talking about maybe writing a couple tunes together and maybe just send recordings back and forth to record them. It quickly escalated to doing an album. We both wrote songs, music only, then traded off demos and wrote lyrics and melody to each others tunes. I went to Vancouver for a week in the summer of 2013 and we recorded the album. We both doing leads and backing vox, handclaps and played guitar. Bil did the bass, drums and additional overdubs. He also recorded, mixed and masteted it. Bil suggested the name and we ran with it. Our mutual German friend Ole O'Brian did the cover art and I put together the layout. On September 22nd, the album comes out on CD with Jerkoff/Ratgirl Records!
 
3. Will we ever see another solo record?

J Prozac -  I've been banging around some tunes that would fit nicely into a follow up solo album, but I'm not sure where they will end up yet. It all depends what band the tunes filter thru what the outcome will be. Let's just see how this rolls!

4. What is your favorite venue that you have ever played at?

J Prozac - Damn, favorite venue? I don't really even know. Maybe the Creepy Crawl in St. Louiswith The GrandPrixx? Or the Dagger House with The Prozacs...also in St. Louis? The Old Store in Palmer, Mass was one of best....as well as The Elvis Room in Portsmouth, NH...both in my GrandPrixx days!

5. You're playing New Haven soon (September 25th at Three Sheets), What is your favorite
memory of New Haven?

J Prozac -  Yes yes! Super excited to play New Haven at Three Sheets! It's been years since I've played or been to a show in New Haven. I frequented the New Haven area very often in the 90's for shows and BMX. Seeing Against All Authority & Assorted Jelly Beans at the Tune Inn is just one of many many great memories there. Also, pulling my first feeble grind (on my bike) down a handrail at one of the City buildings downtown around 1995 was a stand out!

6.What are your top 5 favorite records of all time?

J Prozac -
 1. Mr. T Experience : Love Is Dead 2. The Mopes : Accident Waiting To Happen 
3. The Invalides : Out Of My Head 
4. Screeching Weasel : Boogada thru Major Label Debut
 5. The Queers : Love Songs For The Retarded
This isn't fair! There's like 50 albums that could fill out this top 5 at anytime!


7. How has punk rock changed your life? 

J Prozac-  Punk Rock/BMX has lead me into & influenced my decisions of almost everything I have done and everywhere i have gone in life since highschool. It's where I have made the majority of my life long friends in life and is very prominent in my home and family life. It's what I am!

"In The Music" video ->https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Y5tcKKLiTE




FACEBOOK INVITE -> https://www.facebook.com/events/1028927227138016/

The Lost Riots - "Ready To Die"

 Connecticut Punk The Lost Riots in their practice space

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2PXYcCSvsU

7 Questions with Marko Bruiser

Mark Martin a.k.a. Marko Bruiser  is the brainchild behind worcester punks Marko and the Burisers, and also plays drums for Slitstitch.

Who are you and what do you want?

Marko -  I'm Mark Martin a.k.a.Marko Bruiser, and what i want is to just make and play as much music as possible before i die. I'd like to leave some sorta impression in the music world, not to be famous and make money, but just to have something in this world that will live longer than me. 

 You seem to be a machine with releasing Marko and The Bruisers albums. Whats the secret to putting out so many albums?
 
Marko -  I don't really have any secret, i play guitar everyday for practice and for my son (who is my favorite fan) so after just jamming, i find a cool riff and build off of that. Sometimes I'll just come up with a random verse and it immediately turns into a song somehow. I also have help from natty ice 40s, not all the time, but if I'm not playing a show and i have a Saturday off, I'll grab a couple 40s, a couple nips of whiskey go home and let things happen. I guess my biggest secret is i cant turn the radio off in my head, its always thinking of lyrics, or guitar riffs. On some occasions I've woken up and literally written a song in the matter of minutes. As of right now... i have 2 more songs to write for the next e.p., 1song left to write for the "love my heart/fuck my heart" full album, and i just started recording songs for a cassette split I'm doing with Darlington through wiener records. There's a lot of cool stuff coming up this fall and winter for sure!

 You also play drums in Slitstitch. What is the difference between the two bands?

Marko -  Well the difference between both for me is Slitstitch has more input from others, different minds, different styles make for good songs. M.a.t.b. is only from one mind, sometimes i think if another person would jam and record with me, then maybe that other person/style could think of something i didn't and make the song that much cooler. I like both sides of this though cause i get to play with two other great musicians, play a lot of cool shows, meet a lot of awesome people, and go places I've never gone to and party. when im at home in family life i got my music to keep me sane.

 Where is your all time favorite place (bar/club/hall/basement) to play?

Marko -  My favorite place to play is probably Hotel Vernon in Worcester... i don't think there ever was a place i didn't like playing though. Hotel Vernon is just that comfortable hometown dive with dollar drafts. Nowadays though its been packed with hipsters of the fashion kind... they go out but not to shows. 
  
What are your top 5 favorite records of all time?

Marko - 
5. Ribbed-NOFX
4. Group sex-Circle Jerks 
3. Insomniac-Green Day 
2. Lets go-Rancid 
1. Chinatown-Thin Lizzy

 NOFX or MXPX?

Marko -  This is tough for me... I'm gonna say NOFX cause it was the 1st time i ever heard music so fast and perfectly put together... i remember i was like 11 and i had this cool wallet chain. This older kid Eric Mesho wanted it and traded me a cassette copy of "i heard they suck live" i went home, and life was never the same! Now MXPX found me when i was 16 and i was already listening to alot of blink 182, my friend Rob Richards put in "let it happen" and it was so good. The difference between both and why i choose NOFX is... MXPX never put anything else good out after "let it happen" and NOFX still is very good.

 What makes the Worcester punk scene tick?

Marko -  I wanna say there isn't actually to much of a scene up here anymore... its been picking up though. For awhile there it seemed like Slitstitch was the only punk band still playing, but now new bands are emerging and the stinks starting to come back finally. I also try to book as many shows as i can to help the scene. The younger punks are definitely slacking though

Check out some videos below of Slitstitch and Marko and The Bruisers.
 

Slitstitch - "Zombified" 





Marko and The Bruisers

Also Slitstitch will be playing this October at Three Sheets in New Haven with The Lost Riots and Bloodred Whiskey!