Interview With No Risk
How did No Risk get started?
Well we were all in a band in high school, which is never serious...So in the fall of '06 we decided to take ourselves somewhat seriously, and began writing what would become The Great Demise.
How would you describe No Risk to someone who had never heard your songs?
We're the best band you never heard of.
We met you guys on your southern tour.
Well, I’m not sure where to start...we had a fucking incredible time though. Baltimore was cool, DC was confusing...Virginia Beach was wild, Joe ended up face down and Munk's nipple got a thorough tongue-lashing...Atlanta was great, you (Jonny Taint himself!) cooked us a feast of burgers and hot dogs...Florida was beautiful, the Jersey in us stuck out like a sore thumb while we swam in the ocean...Lenny's in Atlanta is a ass-kicking venue, with members of Bad Brains in attendance...The Milestone in Charlotte hosted a free screening of 'Jesus Camp', which is horror film by my definition and I recommend it to everyone!...Then we did Lucky’s Pub in Wilmington,NC where our sonic onslaught melted the faces of both kids in attendance...Next we spent 2 days in Myrtle Beach, but I can only recall the first hour or so of that experience. I hear that we had a good time though...We finished it off at the House of Fools Cd release show where Virginia locals Far-Less closed the show, and I think I might have tripped my face off during their set...
We're already planning to go out again. I want to conquer the rest of these desolate plains that is America.
How do you guys go about writing new songs?
Well for our last album, we decided that we only needed a handful of really diverse songs, just to show the different types of songs we are capable of writing. From there it’s day after day of punishing ourselves with repetition, spending hours and hours going over the parts that are written so it sounds tight. A lot of it comes like improv, and the good shit that we're sober enough to remember stays in the song.
You’re songs have a lot of political (Government & Punk Scene) based lyrics. What is your favorite song?
My favorite song always changes because of course I like them all for different reasons, but the one that I never get tired of singing is Soundtrack. Its sort of a cliché 'no more war' song, but I was so sick of hearing about all these kids I went to school with being shipped home without the four limbs they left with, if they're lucky enough to be shipped back at all. Plus you hear about the war and foreign policy so much, it’s like the background noise to my fucking life.
No Risk has done shows with a lot of different bands, who is the most memorable?
We played at the Boils CD release for the orange and the black. They had an amazing set; they really kept everyone entertained the whole time. I really think they are one of Philly’s best genuine punk bands of right now.
Where is you’re your favorite place to do shows?
So far, I'd have to say Johnstown, PA. We've only played there twice, and both times we were to assholes that showed up way late, but most of those kids stuck around and waited for us to play. Not only do they stick around, but they're right with us singing along, dancing around and shit. It reminds me of the way a good old fashioned DIY show is supposed to look like, and it’s a party every time.
Is there any one place you’ve done a show and decided to NEVER play there again?
Not really any place in particular, because fuck it, we'll play anywhere. But there are certain 'promoters' as they call themselves that don’t deserve to have bands play there shows after the shit-show that they throw, if it happens at all.
What do each of you do when you’re not playing music?
Work usually for most of us, at a hospital, a drug store, a golf course and a skate shop. But the band itself is a full time obligation too. I spend a lot of time booking shows, promoting our shows, merch art...basically spreading this shit like the clap.
The term "Punk" is thrown around in many ways. What makes punk, "Punk" to you? I actually read a line on your site before, Jonny. It said something like 'If you have to ask yourself if you are, then you're probably not.' It’s just that rebellious, adolescent phase in your life that never passes. Your credibility cannot be weighed out in how much punk rock flair you wear to the mall. I’m not sure what exactly "punk" is anymore, it seems like a phrase that’s lost a bit of integrity since its conception. But Fuck, that was before my time, so what do I know? All I can say is that the people that like fast music, or people that can share some open-minded conversation with me are all friends of mine, no matter what they want to call themselves.
What is your favorite No Risk song to play live?
I always love playing Scene Politics. It’s like the party song of our set right now, and everyone knows that when we start playing that one its time to fuck.shit.up.
What’s the funniest thing you've seen at a show?
Well Ryan had some digestive pyrotechnics one night, and he spewed all over the stage while we were playing. Later on, Munk used it as a sort of slip and slide, and Ryan went feet-out-from-under-him flat on his back in it.
Most bizarre place you've played a show?
We played at a log cabin in Salix, PA. good luck trying to locate this little slice of farm heaven on your fancy GPS. It’s literally a little log cabin that they throw shows at, complete with rodents living in the walls. But surprisingly enough, the show had an awesome turnout and the kids were really down to earth.
What is your evaluation of the current punk scene?
Honestly, I can’t complain. Some of my favorite bands are all getting ready to release new albums at the same time, which means they'll be touring through my neck of the woods soon enough. On a local level, we’ve been playing with some really solid bands that are actually more than tolerable to listen to. As far as the kids go, it seems like everyone spends more time on their computer than out getting into trouble at shows. Then there’s those crowds that show up to watch their friends band, because they sit next to him in math class, then they leave without giving the rest of the talent a chance. I guess some people just lack an appreciation for music, nothing we can do about that. I only hope that we can start playing in time to grab there attention, and at least entertain a few extra faces.
Who are your musical influences?
I love 80's hardcore stuff, like the circle jerks and bad brains, (the elite list that goes on and on) for its rawness. Its really naturally aggressive, I love the attitude of back then...I’m also a big fan of the Philly locals Kid Dynamite...Chris Hannah of Propagandhi is a goddamn genius, and so is Thomas Barnett of Strike Anywhere. But we really do listen to everything, from the crazy time signatures of a three piece jazz band to that Bob Marley reggae bounce. Any music that is done well definitely gets my respect.
Any bands you really want to do a show with?
I like playing with bands that have some history, like on July 6th we are playing with Gang Green..But I think the Reagan Youth would be cool, Circle Jerks would be a wet dream come true. As far as new school goes, A Wilhelm Scream fucking rips, so does Propagandhi...Both those bands have some of the best songwriters of our time in my excellent fucking opinion.
Who's the wildest band you've ever done a show with?
Well The Noid in Philly does beer bongs out of a skull, and I've seen way more skin on DC's Kill Whitey's bass player/singer then I ever needed to see.
Anyone you want to thank?
Well of course I want to thank you, Mr. Jonny Taint for the interview, and your awesome family for the hospitality and support.
Next - Word association, Type the first thing that comes to your mind
when you read the following words.
> Punk = fast
> Drink = drunk
> Porn = tits, cock ring < (Ryan)
> Eat = jelly
> Money = none
> Work = sucks
> Sex = yes
> Sleep = barely
> Leather = Bondage
> Police = bacon
> Movie = Porn
> Government = Circus!
> TV = Boring
> Life = short
> Death = inevitable
Well we were all in a band in high school, which is never serious...So in the fall of '06 we decided to take ourselves somewhat seriously, and began writing what would become The Great Demise.
How would you describe No Risk to someone who had never heard your songs?
We're the best band you never heard of.
We met you guys on your southern tour.
Well, I’m not sure where to start...we had a fucking incredible time though. Baltimore was cool, DC was confusing...Virginia Beach was wild, Joe ended up face down and Munk's nipple got a thorough tongue-lashing...Atlanta was great, you (Jonny Taint himself!) cooked us a feast of burgers and hot dogs...Florida was beautiful, the Jersey in us stuck out like a sore thumb while we swam in the ocean...Lenny's in Atlanta is a ass-kicking venue, with members of Bad Brains in attendance...The Milestone in Charlotte hosted a free screening of 'Jesus Camp', which is horror film by my definition and I recommend it to everyone!...Then we did Lucky’s Pub in Wilmington,NC where our sonic onslaught melted the faces of both kids in attendance...Next we spent 2 days in Myrtle Beach, but I can only recall the first hour or so of that experience. I hear that we had a good time though...We finished it off at the House of Fools Cd release show where Virginia locals Far-Less closed the show, and I think I might have tripped my face off during their set...
We're already planning to go out again. I want to conquer the rest of these desolate plains that is America.
How do you guys go about writing new songs?
Well for our last album, we decided that we only needed a handful of really diverse songs, just to show the different types of songs we are capable of writing. From there it’s day after day of punishing ourselves with repetition, spending hours and hours going over the parts that are written so it sounds tight. A lot of it comes like improv, and the good shit that we're sober enough to remember stays in the song.
You’re songs have a lot of political (Government & Punk Scene) based lyrics. What is your favorite song?
My favorite song always changes because of course I like them all for different reasons, but the one that I never get tired of singing is Soundtrack. Its sort of a cliché 'no more war' song, but I was so sick of hearing about all these kids I went to school with being shipped home without the four limbs they left with, if they're lucky enough to be shipped back at all. Plus you hear about the war and foreign policy so much, it’s like the background noise to my fucking life.
No Risk has done shows with a lot of different bands, who is the most memorable?
We played at the Boils CD release for the orange and the black. They had an amazing set; they really kept everyone entertained the whole time. I really think they are one of Philly’s best genuine punk bands of right now.
Where is you’re your favorite place to do shows?
So far, I'd have to say Johnstown, PA. We've only played there twice, and both times we were to assholes that showed up way late, but most of those kids stuck around and waited for us to play. Not only do they stick around, but they're right with us singing along, dancing around and shit. It reminds me of the way a good old fashioned DIY show is supposed to look like, and it’s a party every time.
Is there any one place you’ve done a show and decided to NEVER play there again?
Not really any place in particular, because fuck it, we'll play anywhere. But there are certain 'promoters' as they call themselves that don’t deserve to have bands play there shows after the shit-show that they throw, if it happens at all.
What do each of you do when you’re not playing music?
Work usually for most of us, at a hospital, a drug store, a golf course and a skate shop. But the band itself is a full time obligation too. I spend a lot of time booking shows, promoting our shows, merch art...basically spreading this shit like the clap.
The term "Punk" is thrown around in many ways. What makes punk, "Punk" to you? I actually read a line on your site before, Jonny. It said something like 'If you have to ask yourself if you are, then you're probably not.' It’s just that rebellious, adolescent phase in your life that never passes. Your credibility cannot be weighed out in how much punk rock flair you wear to the mall. I’m not sure what exactly "punk" is anymore, it seems like a phrase that’s lost a bit of integrity since its conception. But Fuck, that was before my time, so what do I know? All I can say is that the people that like fast music, or people that can share some open-minded conversation with me are all friends of mine, no matter what they want to call themselves.
What is your favorite No Risk song to play live?
I always love playing Scene Politics. It’s like the party song of our set right now, and everyone knows that when we start playing that one its time to fuck.shit.up.
What’s the funniest thing you've seen at a show?
Well Ryan had some digestive pyrotechnics one night, and he spewed all over the stage while we were playing. Later on, Munk used it as a sort of slip and slide, and Ryan went feet-out-from-under-him flat on his back in it.
Most bizarre place you've played a show?
We played at a log cabin in Salix, PA. good luck trying to locate this little slice of farm heaven on your fancy GPS. It’s literally a little log cabin that they throw shows at, complete with rodents living in the walls. But surprisingly enough, the show had an awesome turnout and the kids were really down to earth.
What is your evaluation of the current punk scene?
Honestly, I can’t complain. Some of my favorite bands are all getting ready to release new albums at the same time, which means they'll be touring through my neck of the woods soon enough. On a local level, we’ve been playing with some really solid bands that are actually more than tolerable to listen to. As far as the kids go, it seems like everyone spends more time on their computer than out getting into trouble at shows. Then there’s those crowds that show up to watch their friends band, because they sit next to him in math class, then they leave without giving the rest of the talent a chance. I guess some people just lack an appreciation for music, nothing we can do about that. I only hope that we can start playing in time to grab there attention, and at least entertain a few extra faces.
Who are your musical influences?
I love 80's hardcore stuff, like the circle jerks and bad brains, (the elite list that goes on and on) for its rawness. Its really naturally aggressive, I love the attitude of back then...I’m also a big fan of the Philly locals Kid Dynamite...Chris Hannah of Propagandhi is a goddamn genius, and so is Thomas Barnett of Strike Anywhere. But we really do listen to everything, from the crazy time signatures of a three piece jazz band to that Bob Marley reggae bounce. Any music that is done well definitely gets my respect.
Any bands you really want to do a show with?
I like playing with bands that have some history, like on July 6th we are playing with Gang Green..But I think the Reagan Youth would be cool, Circle Jerks would be a wet dream come true. As far as new school goes, A Wilhelm Scream fucking rips, so does Propagandhi...Both those bands have some of the best songwriters of our time in my excellent fucking opinion.
Who's the wildest band you've ever done a show with?
Well The Noid in Philly does beer bongs out of a skull, and I've seen way more skin on DC's Kill Whitey's bass player/singer then I ever needed to see.
Anyone you want to thank?
Well of course I want to thank you, Mr. Jonny Taint for the interview, and your awesome family for the hospitality and support.
Next - Word association, Type the first thing that comes to your mind
when you read the following words.
> Punk = fast
> Drink = drunk
> Porn = tits, cock ring < (Ryan)
> Eat = jelly
> Money = none
> Work = sucks
> Sex = yes
> Sleep = barely
> Leather = Bondage
> Police = bacon
> Movie = Porn
> Government = Circus!
> TV = Boring
> Life = short
> Death = inevitable
Comments
Jared did this interview right?
Posted by: Lauren | July 18, 2007 12:24 PM