Chairman Ralph reissues his "interview by cassette/mail" with the San Diego, CA cassette-only comp supremo, Chris BCT, which discusses every aspect of this classic DIY "living room" operation -- from philosophy, to the state of hardcore punk, and types of bands that emerged during the mid-80s era that this chat covers.
Here's where your favorite musicians' words of wisdom end up...to find an older interview (such as Viv Albertine, Part One, for example), just click the "Archive" button, followed by the relevant headline link.
"PUNK & BEYOND": THE SEQUEL (11/24-12/17/11): GAYE BLACK SPEAKS
Not strictly a "band interview," per se, but that's where this entry goes for now..."Beyond Punk," the art show curated by Gaye Black (formerly of the Adverts), returned for its second installment, entitled, "Punk & Beyond" -- bigger, badder and bolder than ever before, as the enclosed photos and statements should demonstrate.
"FROM BANK CLERK TO PUNK ROCKER": CHATTIN' WITH THE MEMBERS' JC CARROLL (9/3/11)
Once again, through the magic of email, Chairman Ralph chats with the Members' guitarist and songwriter, Jean-Marie "JC" Carroll, to get the stories behind songs like "Offshore Banking Business," and "Solitary Confinement," as well as the reunited band's future plans.
"I CAN'T GET AWAY FROM THE PUNK INFLUENCE": DAVIDS APP CUTS LOOSE (5/3/11)
Chairman Ralph chats via email with David Apps, drummer for a host of UK punk bands -- including The Beat Of The beast -- about his first solo art show, his philosophy, working methods and a few related images that will likely catch the viewer's eye.
YOU'RE A FREE MAN, THEN...11 MORE QUESTIONS FOR KNOX (1/13/11)
Suitably inspired by the Vibrators' September 2010 Grand Rapids gig at Billy's Lounge, Chairman Ralph takes up the cudgel for another round of questions for singer-guitarist Ian "Knox" Carnochan, who catches us up on the band's recording strategies, balancing the old-versus-new-song equation live, and how to keep your head above water in an uncertain business...among other topics.
"WE'RE NOT CLAMOURING FOR ATTENTION": 10 QUESTIONS FOR KNOX (THE VIBRATORS)
Vibrators guitarist Ian "Knox" Carnochan chats with Chairman Ralph via the magic of email...in which he lays out his musical background, life before Year Zero (1976), his band's role in the early UK punk scene's development, his artistic development, and much, much more.
PUNKY REGGAE BHANGRA PARTY: THE MAKING OF "MADE IN BIRMINGHAM" (1/11/11)
Chairman Ralph chats with Deborah Aston, director-producer of "Made In Birmingham: Reggae Punk Bhangra," intended as a long-overdue account of these three scenes, and the cultural footprints that they left behind. Aston discusses her vision for the documentary, the strategies behind its creation and financing, and implications for today's audiences.
"OUR SONGS WERE ABOUT OUR REALITY": OLA (SPACEMAN) NILSSON RECALLS THE RUDE KIDS (12/15/10)
Chairman Ralph fires off 15 questions for former Rude Kids bassist, Ola ("Spaceman") Nilsson, who recalls the band's beginnings, conflicts with Sweden's infamous Raggare, and landmark recordings...including "Raggare Is A Bunch of Motherfuckers," and "Stranglers (If It's Quiet Why Don't You Play)"...and how they stand up today.
"I MAKE THINGS FOR MYSELF": A CONVERSATION WITH GAYE ADVERT (10/22/10)
Chairman Ralph sits down with Gaye Advert, former bassist of '77-era heroes, The Adverts, to discuss her artistic influences, her motivation for doing the August 2010 "Beyond Punk" show, her former musical life, and what she's listening to these days....among other topics.
"IT'S A COMBINATION OF OPPORTUNITY, AND PREPARATION": AN EXTENDED CONVERSATION WITH RICK SHAFFER, PT V
Chairman Ralph sits down for his final installment of his talk with former Reds guitarist Rick Shaffer, who shares his views about dealing with the younger generation, unrealized creativity, why he'll never grab the rock 'n' roll brass ring...and why he couldn't care less.