Icons of Punk News/Updates

Whether you’ve heard of them or not, FAR has easily become one of the most influential bands of the last 10 years, even more so since they disbanded back in 1998 after sharing the stage numerous times with frequent touring mates the DEFTONES and INCUBUS. You can do a quick search on You Tube to find bands such as THURSDAY and FINCH covering FAR songs. Even bands like BLINK 182 & BIFFY CLYRO often cite them as a major influence.

Singer/frontman Jonah Matranga went on as a solo artist under the moniker of ONE LINE DRAWING & later played in the bands NEW END ORIGINAL & GRATITUDE. Guitarist Shaun Lopez formed THE REVOLUTION SMILE, while drummer Chris Robyn & bassist John Gutenberger played together in the band MILWAUKEE. (Robyn also played in WILL HAVEN, while Gutenberger played in TWO SHEDS & JACKPOT).

After 10 years apart, the band recently got back together & recorded a cover of the GINUWINE single “Pony,” intended for their fake My Space page as a tease for a handful of reunion shows they’d planned. Much to their surprise, “Pony” became a radio hit, and eventually led to a full on FAR reunion. Now, the 4 original members are back together and working on a new record for Vagrant. Considering my personal long term history with the band, I was excited to catch up with singer Jonah Matranga to talk about all things FAR. He spoke candidly & honestly in this exclusive, extensive interview that essentially has been... 10 years in the making.

Click the image below to read the extensive interview! (Complete with videos, mp3's and pictures!)

Posted by robg at 08:53 PM | Permalink

SUNNY DAY REAL ESTATE is easily one of the most influential bands of the last 15 years, especially for any band that the musical media has classified under the "emo" banner. But at the forefront of SUNNY DAY has always been singer/songwriter Jeremy Enigk, whose unique voice and melodies have always set them apart for their many contemporaries and imitators. After SUNNY DAY disbanded in early 95, Enigk recorded his 1st solo album RETURN OF THE FROG QUEEN.

SUNNY DAY REAL ESTATE got back together shortly there after and recorded 2 more albums together, HOW IT FEELS TO BE SOMETHING ON & THE RISING TIDE. Enigk, along with SDRE members William Goldsmith & Nate Mendel went on to form THE FIRE THEFT and released one self-titled record. In 2006, Jeremy released his 2nd proper solo album WORLD WAITS, 10 years after his solo debut with FROG QUEEN. Currently, he's wrapped up his 3rd studio album OK BEAR which is scheduled for release February 2009. He was kind enough to chat with IOP and answer all of our questions about his entire music career. Click the image below to read our EXCLUSIVE interview with JEREMY ENIGK!

Posted by robg at 06:42 AM | Permalink

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

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

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

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

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

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

Continue reading "IOP EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW - DAVE CRONIN Of 2 * SWEET!" »

Posted by Kristin at 04:38 AM | Permalink