Icons of Punk News/Updates

As the lead singer in the 1990's band “The Promise Ring”, as well as his earlier and equally influential band “Cap'n Jazz”. Von Bohlen and his band mates were at the forefront of a movement. The band, along with many of their contemporaries on the Jade Tree label helped lay the groundwork for what would come to be recognized as the punk sub-genre 'emo'. Ah! The “e” word. Although that genre today is essentially a pop-punk gone glam-rock explosion of eyeliner, bad hair, and tight pants, “The Promise Ring” were the real thing: Kids from the punk and indie scene making introspective and thought provoking music. Today Davey Von Bohlen lives with his family in Minnesota and continues to record with the band “Maritime”. Icons of Punk caught up with Davey to see what's been going on with Maritime and to talk about the history and impact of “The Promise Ring”.

(Click the image below to read the exclusive interview!)

Posted by robg at 03:56 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Okay, I’m just gonna throw it out there right away.  For the most part, I do not care for female musicians.  It’s not a personal, catty “I hate other females” thing, I simply have found that out of all of the musicians that I love, especially in Rock/Punk/Metal, majority rules and, in this case, the majority are male.  Sure there have been a handful or two of “exceptions” over the years, but, again…majority rules.

A few years back, a friend of mind told me that she had joined an all female Metal band.  Now, I was not appalled by this sudden news, but I will admit to feeling slight indifference.  Imagine my surprise when (about a year later) I actually took the time to listen to them and found them to be good….really good.  I have since become a big fan of theirs and love the fact that they  proved me wrong.

Meet: Meredith, Urith, Gee and Sue; also known as Dormitory Effect.  They are the Icons of Punk Unsigned Band of the Month for July and we could not be more happy or proud to have had them agree to this interview.  We ask that you give this powerhouse of Metal a shot…they may just surprise you, too.

(Click image below to read the full exclusive interview!)

Posted by robg at 03:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Just added! An IOP exclusive interview with CHARLIE BENANTE, drummer of ANTHRAX! Upon receiving the phone call that informed me of an opportunity to interview Charlie Benante, you would have thought that a 15 year old girl had just entered my kitchen.  I yelled into the phone “are you fucking kidding me?!?”  I was being offered, what I knew to be, a highlight of my career...and that’s when the reality set in.  After more than 25 years together, what would one ask a member of Anthrax that has not already been asked, hundreds of times over? - By Kristin - 3/08

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Posted by Kristin at 04:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Just added! An IOP exclusive interview with CHRIS GUTIERREZ! Every once in a while you come across someone whose will and determination to go “against the grain” are so strong you can not help but sit up and take notice. When such an uncompromisable desire is so great, it demands recognition; meet Christopher Gutierrez. At 33 years old he has managed to self publish two books (‘A Life Deliberate’ and ‘On the Upswing of Life, Love and Regret’) is recognized and well received as a spoken word artist, and a champion advocate for all of the outcasts and underdogs.

Recently, I had an opportunity to speak with Chris and, admittedly, I was stoked. Chris is notorious for being completely candid and honest. Hoping to find out how a less than calm childhood and such a staunch love of music parlayed into a life deliberate; I was anxious.

The interview took an interesting and incredibly meaningful turn, and it ended up being one of my favorite conversations with an artist, to date. - By Kristin - 3/08

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Posted by Kristin at 04:53 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Just added! An IOP exclusive interview with DOUG ROBINSON of THE SLEEPING! As a music enthusiast, there are (unfortunately) few moments in time where you feel blown away by the industry and what it has presented. In order for me to consider calling a band “good”, it takes a lot more than just producing music that catches me. I want to know that you are willing to work for it and there need to be assurances that you are decent human beings.

I recently met up with Doug Robinson of The Sleeping, and the hour or so that we spent talking about their albums, motivations and unforeseeable tragedies left me knowing and feeling that there are still artists out there getting it right and who truly do want to make a difference. - By Kristin - 3/08

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Posted by Kristin at 04:43 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Just added, an IOP exclusive interview with DAVE CRONIN of 2 * SWEET! These days, finding bands that make me not want to roll my eyes is a rarity. Even harder to find, are bands that are able to showcase a sound that has many influences, and hear them pull it off sounding tight rather than confused…know what I mean?

Fortunately, my constant internet perusing led me to 2* Sweet. Made of up five guys from Chicago, 2* Sweet have flipped the proverbial bird to anyone who has stated that you can’t make “heavier” music sound fun. They’re unbelievably catchy and with a style range that would stop any seasoned veteran dead in their tracks.

Some time after dancing around our office to their music (it warrants such antics, trust me) and quite a few declarations of “you have to hear this band”, I set out to speak with someone…anyone from 2* Sweet. I had a strong feeling that these are the guys to watch out for and I was all over it. I get excited anytime I come across a band that is not getting the proper amount of attention. It gives me a chance to promote a band that deserves it and maybe find a few new fans for them, that’s pretty much as sweet as it gets.

Dave Cronin was kind enough to speak with me in betweens the bands tours, having just returned from trekking through the winter weather of the East Coast. The conversation that took place between us was rather fun, honest and light-hearted. As such, I decided to take the interview a step further. Not only do I truly believe in this band, but the entire time I talked with Dave it was apparent that this band has heart, determination and spirit. No, really, it’s true.

And so, I give you: 2* Sweet, the first ever Icons of Punk Unsigned Band of The Month. I hope you all enjoy the interview and make sure to check out 2* Sweet via MySpace or whenever they roll through a town near you. - By Kristin - 3/08

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Posted by Kristin at 04:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)