"When I was a youngster I played and sang because I didn't know better.
When I got a little older I saw Dave Ahl of the Suicide Commandos singing
and playing all the time. I just play and don't pay attention to anything
else when I'm singing. Breathing properly is essential (sic"
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We pause here to talk with the band about a bunch of things.....
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FS: Has there been much violence (punks vs. punks) at your recent shows?
| Greg: Not at recent shows, it has been getting better. I think the word has been getting out pretty well that the bands don't like it. The main thing at a show id to have fun, not to kill your neighbor — not only the bands but the people who truely support the scene and the music do a great job of keeping violence to a minimum. FS: What are some other good mid-western bands that people should listen for? Bob: The ones who don't try to cut everyone elses throat by bad-mouthing people; anybody reading this, you know who you are. Good bands are: the Replacements, Man-Sized Action, Die Kreuzen, Mecht Mensch, Marblehead, Six Feet Under, AOF, Fix, Efigies, Trial by Fire, Delinquents, Toxics. I guess all the bands in Michigan, although I haven't heard them. Some of them think they're pretty cool, or so I've heard. What about this new band in Michigan, the Elite Fuckers? If anyone knows how we can get a gig with them, let us know. I hear they got loads of friends. FS: How about your mid-west compilation? Bob: We're going to try to do two compilations. Both of them will be cassette only; the first one is Minneapolis and Madison bands only and the second one will be anyone who sends a reproducable tape that is remotely HC or interesting. |
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It will be a lot like Noise Mags Charred Remains tape.
FS: Tell us about your new record? Side one is called "In A Free Land". It's about freedom of thought, education and what the government wants you to know. It is another departure from our "typical" style. I'm sure it will get some good airplay. Side two starts out with "What Do I Want?", it's about that certain something missing in everybodys life. It's not the same thing for everybody. More or less it's about being depressed for no particular reason. The last song is "M.I.C.", which stands for Military Industrial Complex. War stimulates the economy but it doesn't stimulate us. Wars suck. It will be out in April hopefully, on New Alliance Records, which is the label "Land Speed Record" is on. FS: What kind of sound are you looking for now? Grant: The sound is a lot different. The album was recorded live on a 4 track. It was a GOOD LIVE sound. The new ep on the other hand, was recorded on a 24 track in a studio. Our objective with the ep was to make a good record. We were not intending to sell a million copies. Bob: There's no way we can realistically put out another record as hectic as LSR, unless we do another live album next summer. We just wanted a good sounding studio thing, that's all. FS: What bands do you listen to/influences? Bob: Influences: 60's pop/psych. hits, some experimental stuff. Listen to: American HC, some British stuff, some real garbage (Rick Springfield is God). Grant: Influences: Pop/ethnic stuff/noises. Listen to: HC, psychedelic music and oldies. Greg: Influences: Psychedelic, new music experimental, early punk, late punk. |
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Listen to: our contemporarys (HC), experimental, silence.
FS: What are your upcoming tour plans? Greg: We are planning to tour extensively this summer. Our last day in Minneapolis will be May 15 (Armed Forces Day), after that we're leaving and heading west to Denver then we will go north into Canada over to the west coast and then down, hitting both SF and LA. From there it's off to Texas and the rest of the south to the east coast, up the east coast thru DC and back up into Canada. West to Detroit, thru the Ohio Valley to Chicago, Milwaukee, Madison and then home. We should be out on tour for two or three months. FS: What do see in the future for American Hardcore? Bob: It's up to the individual bands. If bands decide to sign with major labels (who now know that there is a market for it), it will become above ground and subsequently fodder for FM radio. FS: Any last/final band statements? Grant: No thanks. Greg: Make up your own mind, think for yourself. Bob: Start a band, or a fanzine. Make yourself useful, make it happen and don't get discouraged. And, as always, think.
DISCOGRAPHY
| "Statues"/"Amusement" Reflex 11/80 "Land Speed Record" lp New Alliance Records 12/81 "Bricklayer" on Charred Remains Comp. Tape Noise Records 3/82 "In A Free Land" ep N.A.R. 6/82 coming soon: "Land Speed Record" 12 inch ep Alternative Tentacles U.K. Wisconsin HC Compilation cassette
Husker Du 731 Pontiac Pl., Mendota Heights, Mn 55120 612-454-5366
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New Alliance POB 21, San Pedro, Ca 90733
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