stagger and fall interview
by Fightback Zine on Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 11:17am
alright lets get right to it.Stagger and Fall is Eben- Vocals/Guitar. Kevin-Guitar/Vocals.
Darren-Bass.Cassie-drums
Whats your name? Kevin O'shea.
FB: Where are you from?
K: San Francisco,Ca.
FB: What do you do in the band?
SAF: I play guitar and sing back up
FB: How long has stagger and fall been around?
K: 3 + Years
by Fightback Zine on Thursday, June 16, 2011 at 11:17am
alright lets get right to it.Stagger and Fall is Eben- Vocals/Guitar. Kevin-Guitar/Vocals.
Darren-Bass.Cassie-drums
Whats your name? Kevin O'shea.
FB: Where are you from?
K: San Francisco,Ca.
FB: What do you do in the band?
SAF: I play guitar and sing back up
FB: How long has stagger and fall been around?
K: 3 + Years
Eben: 3 years, in 2008 we recorded our first demo in May and played our first show in July.
FB: What made you want to start playing music in the first place?
K: All of us have been playing for a long time...for me music has always been one of the most important things in my life....I was born for it!
E: I heard Bob Marley's Johnny Was back in 1982 and I was blown away by the emotional power of it. It was so rebellious and tender at the same time. Right then I said I want to play music and change the world, fight for the downtrodden. I don't know if I've done that but it sure put a fire under my ass to learn guitar and start writing songs.
FB: Do you have any plans to record or tour coming up?
K: We are always playing all over California...since we are a working class street punk band we all have jobs and family's so it's kinda hard to do extended touring. One of the best things we have coming up is playing with Cocksparrer at punk rock bowling this year in Las Vegas...as soon as we get back we are going into the studio to record some new stuff that will be put out as 7"s and splits with some legendary bands...can't tell you who yet but believe me it's gonna be awesome!
FB: What made you want to start playing music in the first place?
K: All of us have been playing for a long time...for me music has always been one of the most important things in my life....I was born for it!
E: I heard Bob Marley's Johnny Was back in 1982 and I was blown away by the emotional power of it. It was so rebellious and tender at the same time. Right then I said I want to play music and change the world, fight for the downtrodden. I don't know if I've done that but it sure put a fire under my ass to learn guitar and start writing songs.
FB: Do you have any plans to record or tour coming up?
K: We are always playing all over California...since we are a working class street punk band we all have jobs and family's so it's kinda hard to do extended touring. One of the best things we have coming up is playing with Cocksparrer at punk rock bowling this year in Las Vegas...as soon as we get back we are going into the studio to record some new stuff that will be put out as 7"s and splits with some legendary bands...can't tell you who yet but believe me it's gonna be awesome!
E: We are about to record a handful of new songs to be released digitally and on vinyl through Pirates Press and maybe something on Oi! The Boat (fingers crossed). We have California tours planned for June and August and hope to make it up to Oregon before the end of the year.
FB: Were any of you in bands before this? Do any of you have side projects?
K: We have all been in bands before this...we don't really talk about it because we want this band to stand on it's own merit! Our drummer Cassie plays in a all girl turbonegro cover band called Turbonegra and our bass player plays guitar for a hardcore band called Heroes at gunpoint. Eben and me devote all our energy to Stagger and Fall.
FB: For those people out there who haven't heard you yet what bands do you think you sound similar to?
FB: Were any of you in bands before this? Do any of you have side projects?
K: We have all been in bands before this...we don't really talk about it because we want this band to stand on it's own merit! Our drummer Cassie plays in a all girl turbonegro cover band called Turbonegra and our bass player plays guitar for a hardcore band called Heroes at gunpoint. Eben and me devote all our energy to Stagger and Fall.
FB: For those people out there who haven't heard you yet what bands do you think you sound similar to?
K: ....Hmmm...I would say we sound kinda like a lot of classic oi!-streetpunk bands...Cocksparrer,Perkele,Evil conduct with hints of AC/DC and Rose Tattoo thrown in for good measure.....in the end we just sound like ourselves!
E: Rancid sings Merle Haggard. I used to get people saying I sound like Ian Stewart which was a bit troubling. Fuck that shit but what the hell...I guess he had a gravelly voice. Casualties, US Bombs, One Man Army, Swingin Utters. I love the Cockney Rejects.
FB: How have you seen things change since you first got into punk?
K: It's a lot easier being "punk rock" these days....easier to get the music,buy the gear ect. When i was young i had to fight all the time because of how i looked and the music i loved...but, I'm not one of those old bitter guys...it's popular now and a lot of these kids will move on to something else, but just like every punk resurgence there will be those who are down for life and carry the torch...whatever.
E: Rancid sings Merle Haggard. I used to get people saying I sound like Ian Stewart which was a bit troubling. Fuck that shit but what the hell...I guess he had a gravelly voice. Casualties, US Bombs, One Man Army, Swingin Utters. I love the Cockney Rejects.
FB: How have you seen things change since you first got into punk?
K: It's a lot easier being "punk rock" these days....easier to get the music,buy the gear ect. When i was young i had to fight all the time because of how i looked and the music i loved...but, I'm not one of those old bitter guys...it's popular now and a lot of these kids will move on to something else, but just like every punk resurgence there will be those who are down for life and carry the torch...whatever.
E: If you are 14 going to an all ages locally promoted show, drinking a forty in the parking lot with a weird hair cut and you can't wait to get in the pit and stage dive I'd say the experience hasn't changed at all. If you want to have the early 80's hardcore experience it's there for you. I don't think punk changes, individuals change and that's a good thing. It would be lame to be the same person for your whole life.
FB: Do you think anything needs to change now?
K: I could always bitch about whats wrong with things but there's no point in it really.
E: Yes, I beleive that the country has been polarized long enough. I'm sick of hating the right and I'm sick of the right hating the left. The vast majority of Americans in the middle need to stand up and demand better schools, health care, and benefits for the middle class. I believe America has the resources to educate and care for it's citizens we just need to stop funding the war machine and allowing the super wealthy to profit while the average Joe falls behind economically. Excuse me, I just fell of my soap box.
FB: Do you think anything needs to change now?
K: I could always bitch about whats wrong with things but there's no point in it really.
E: Yes, I beleive that the country has been polarized long enough. I'm sick of hating the right and I'm sick of the right hating the left. The vast majority of Americans in the middle need to stand up and demand better schools, health care, and benefits for the middle class. I believe America has the resources to educate and care for it's citizens we just need to stop funding the war machine and allowing the super wealthy to profit while the average Joe falls behind economically. Excuse me, I just fell of my soap box.
FB: How is the scene out where you live?
K: It's fantastic...San Francisco has such a old and rich tradition of punk rock....There's a lot of great bands around right now and places to play.
E: It's pretty jaded for the most part but I don't blame anyone. We live in a culture of media bombardment where we have so many choices all the time that nothing seems like a big deal. That said, we have a great core group of bands out here and great friends. There is a street punk renaissance going on in San Francisco and it's awesome to be a part of it. In a way it's like the old days because it's a tight group and everyone participates. There's no spectators.
FB: What is the main message behind your music?
K: There's a lot of em...Mainly Unity,Equality,honesty and trying to pump up the working class!
K: It's fantastic...San Francisco has such a old and rich tradition of punk rock....There's a lot of great bands around right now and places to play.
E: It's pretty jaded for the most part but I don't blame anyone. We live in a culture of media bombardment where we have so many choices all the time that nothing seems like a big deal. That said, we have a great core group of bands out here and great friends. There is a street punk renaissance going on in San Francisco and it's awesome to be a part of it. In a way it's like the old days because it's a tight group and everyone participates. There's no spectators.
FB: What is the main message behind your music?
K: There's a lot of em...Mainly Unity,Equality,honesty and trying to pump up the working class!
E: The main message of Stagger and Fall is redemption. It's about raising yourself up from the darkest place imaginable, looking death in the eye and saying "fuck this, suicide is boring. I want to live." It's about caring for your brother while fighting for the common man and having a grand old time while you're at it. Oh, and pirates. hahaha
FB: What is the craziest show you have played so far?
K: There's been so many...maybe the last time we played with the Swingin Utters...People were just going nuts...it was packed and the whole crowd was moving!
E: Best shows with the biggest pits have been Swingin' Utters, Duane Peters and Manic Hispanic. Craziest was probably when we had two shows in one day and Kevin showed up to the first one completely shit-housed at like 1 in the afternoon. We pulled it though, we always do.
FB: What is the best way to get in touch with you if someone wants you to play a show?
K: you can contact us via our email staggerandfall@gmail.com or our facebook page....smoke signals or carrier pigeon.
FB: What is the craziest show you have played so far?
K: There's been so many...maybe the last time we played with the Swingin Utters...People were just going nuts...it was packed and the whole crowd was moving!
E: Best shows with the biggest pits have been Swingin' Utters, Duane Peters and Manic Hispanic. Craziest was probably when we had two shows in one day and Kevin showed up to the first one completely shit-housed at like 1 in the afternoon. We pulled it though, we always do.
FB: What is the best way to get in touch with you if someone wants you to play a show?
K: you can contact us via our email staggerandfall@gmail.com or our facebook page....smoke signals or carrier pigeon.
E: Fucking Facebook. No reason to fight it.
FB: I know there is always shit I forget to ask. If there is anything you want to say or feel like I left out here is your chance to say it. Nothing will be left out or edited in anyway.
K: I know people always say it, but there is a reason...Be true to yourself and forge your own path in life...Use your head. Think about where your money goes and the companies,stores and people you support. If someone falls in the pit... pick em up....fashion is bullshit and that whole tough guy macho crap is just a front of someone who is scared inside like a little kid afraid of the dark...Thank you fightback zine....all the best! Oi!
E: No, those are great questions. Buy our CD or get it digitally. Support independent music. That pretty much covers it. Thanks.
FB: I know there is always shit I forget to ask. If there is anything you want to say or feel like I left out here is your chance to say it. Nothing will be left out or edited in anyway.
K: I know people always say it, but there is a reason...Be true to yourself and forge your own path in life...Use your head. Think about where your money goes and the companies,stores and people you support. If someone falls in the pit... pick em up....fashion is bullshit and that whole tough guy macho crap is just a front of someone who is scared inside like a little kid afraid of the dark...Thank you fightback zine....all the best! Oi!
E: No, those are great questions. Buy our CD or get it digitally. Support independent music. That pretty much covers it. Thanks.
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bad assets- demo 2009
This is straight forward detroit oi Steady, strong, with stories from the city they come from. "wasted generation" will have you singing along with in seconds. This is a band that needs to be checked out if you like oi.
This is straight forward detroit oi Steady, strong, with stories from the city they come from. "wasted generation" will have you singing along with in seconds. This is a band that needs to be checked out if you like oi.
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crashed out interview
FB: alright lets start with the easy shit. Whats your name? Where are you from?
CO: Just before we start where are you guys based and what kind of mag you got? sorry for my ignorance
FB: no worries
based out of michigan in the u.s.a. It is a punk hardcore and oi zine, it is about to be sent out to parts of the u.k Canada and Spain along with the U.S.
CO: Ok spot on My name is Chris Wrigt i am voalistls in street punk band Crashed out
FB: How long has crashed out been around?
CO: 15 years in total i joind 10 years ago
FB: alright lets start with the easy shit. Whats your name? Where are you from?
CO: Just before we start where are you guys based and what kind of mag you got? sorry for my ignorance
FB: no worries
based out of michigan in the u.s.a. It is a punk hardcore and oi zine, it is about to be sent out to parts of the u.k Canada and Spain along with the U.S.
CO: Ok spot on My name is Chris Wrigt i am voalistls in street punk band Crashed out
FB: How long has crashed out been around?
CO: 15 years in total i joind 10 years ago
FB: For those who haven't heard you yet, what bands might you sound like?
CO: Rose tattoo, meets angelic upstarts meets motorhead, meets rancid, with a touch of Dickies thrown in ;);)
FB: hell yea, that is an awesome mix. I don't know of many bands that say that they have an angelic upstarts influence. What is the main message behind your music?
CO: we are not political or any of that just street rock n roll we have a rock edge sound (riffs melodys etc) that sets us apart fo#rom allot of punk bands we have carved out our own sound it works fine, we are doing our bit to put the rock back into punk ROCK
FB: sounds good to me. I like when a band can mix punk and street rock and do it right. What made you want to start playing this kind of music?
CO: Its just a natural progression, the lads are really tallented musicians so why stick with three cords? after all we can get across to more people with our style of music. we are all fans of Rose Tattoo, AC/DC, Motorhead as well as punk rock so it sort of developed from there
CO: Rose tattoo, meets angelic upstarts meets motorhead, meets rancid, with a touch of Dickies thrown in ;);)
FB: hell yea, that is an awesome mix. I don't know of many bands that say that they have an angelic upstarts influence. What is the main message behind your music?
CO: we are not political or any of that just street rock n roll we have a rock edge sound (riffs melodys etc) that sets us apart fo#rom allot of punk bands we have carved out our own sound it works fine, we are doing our bit to put the rock back into punk ROCK
FB: sounds good to me. I like when a band can mix punk and street rock and do it right. What made you want to start playing this kind of music?
CO: Its just a natural progression, the lads are really tallented musicians so why stick with three cords? after all we can get across to more people with our style of music. we are all fans of Rose Tattoo, AC/DC, Motorhead as well as punk rock so it sort of developed from there
FB: Are you planning on touring anytime soon or recording a new record?
CO: we will be recording again soon for our split album with Angelic Upstarts our new album has just been released on I Hate People Records in Germany they will also be releasing the split. we have quite a few shows in the pipline here in the UK and a couple of Gernman dates. also a proposed European tour to launch the split once thats out so yeah still busy.
FB: Damn sounds like you guys are going to be busy as hell. How the fuck did you land a split with angelic upstarts?
CO: We are close mates we are from the same town i actually stood in on vocal duties for them for about a year a few years back Mensi had a bit personal trouble to sort out and asked me to stand in so i did we toured Germany Italy and the UK. It went well, i know it is not the same as having Mensi but I did the songs people wanted to hear and everyone was happy, it was better than pulling the shows. also Lee our guitarist (my Brother) used to play guitar for A/U about five years ago. as well as our drummer who still dose on occasion drum for them ha ha we are a sort of hybrib bands now (CRASH STARTS) ha ha ha
FB: haha that is bad as hell. I am guessing since you are involved in all that that it helps a little and makes things a little easier for you to get on shows, or does it hamke it harder?
CO: we will be recording again soon for our split album with Angelic Upstarts our new album has just been released on I Hate People Records in Germany they will also be releasing the split. we have quite a few shows in the pipline here in the UK and a couple of Gernman dates. also a proposed European tour to launch the split once thats out so yeah still busy.
FB: Damn sounds like you guys are going to be busy as hell. How the fuck did you land a split with angelic upstarts?
CO: We are close mates we are from the same town i actually stood in on vocal duties for them for about a year a few years back Mensi had a bit personal trouble to sort out and asked me to stand in so i did we toured Germany Italy and the UK. It went well, i know it is not the same as having Mensi but I did the songs people wanted to hear and everyone was happy, it was better than pulling the shows. also Lee our guitarist (my Brother) used to play guitar for A/U about five years ago. as well as our drummer who still dose on occasion drum for them ha ha we are a sort of hybrib bands now (CRASH STARTS) ha ha ha
FB: haha that is bad as hell. I am guessing since you are involved in all that that it helps a little and makes things a little easier for you to get on shows, or does it hamke it harder?
CO: We are all mate so yes it helps as Mensi sometimes insists that we support them. But it dont always happen. Upstarts dont play allot these days anyway, we still do our own thing
FB: The only reason I asked is because sometimes people think if you have friends that can play where ever they ask that means that you can as well.
CO: yes thats right sometimes that dose happen, but its down to cost as well it would maen another 4 flights to pay for!
But if our drummer is playing for them it makes sense to get us as well
FB: That does make sense? Are there any plans to come to the U.S possibly?
i didnt mean for the first part to be a questions
CO: We would love to hit the states again, no promoters have asked us
FB: we will talk about that later.. haha. Hopefully you will be back out here sometime though but I am figuring that is enough questions for now.
FB: The only reason I asked is because sometimes people think if you have friends that can play where ever they ask that means that you can as well.
CO: yes thats right sometimes that dose happen, but its down to cost as well it would maen another 4 flights to pay for!
But if our drummer is playing for them it makes sense to get us as well
FB: That does make sense? Are there any plans to come to the U.S possibly?
i didnt mean for the first part to be a questions
CO: We would love to hit the states again, no promoters have asked us
FB: we will talk about that later.. haha. Hopefully you will be back out here sometime though but I am figuring that is enough questions for now.
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bonecrusher- tomorrow is to late
I know a lot of the oi boys and girls outther may have already heard of bonecrusher, that is not going to stop me from reviewing this though. This album is strong from start to finish with no apoligies. The music is traight forward with some solos here nothing to elaborate or overbearing. I won't do a list of stand out songs like I normally try to do so you can get a feel for them. There is no reason to in my opinion if you like oi check them out.There really is not much more I can say.
I know a lot of the oi boys and girls outther may have already heard of bonecrusher, that is not going to stop me from reviewing this though. This album is strong from start to finish with no apoligies. The music is traight forward with some solos here nothing to elaborate or overbearing. I won't do a list of stand out songs like I normally try to do so you can get a feel for them. There is no reason to in my opinion if you like oi check them out.There really is not much more I can say.
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alternate action- we're not like you 7"
If you like catchy music you will love this album. I think the title of the album says it all though better than I can. I am still wondering what took me so long to listen to these boys. If you are antisocial and don't give a fuck check these boys out. You won't be let down. Imagine cocksparrer sped up a little with harsher vocals and sharper teeth.
If you like catchy music you will love this album. I think the title of the album says it all though better than I can. I am still wondering what took me so long to listen to these boys. If you are antisocial and don't give a fuck check these boys out. You won't be let down. Imagine cocksparrer sped up a little with harsher vocals and sharper teeth.
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the uprise- one by one 7"
This album I think is around 22 years old. All I can say is holy shit this is some awesome oldschool american oi. The guitar riffs are simple but still sound so damn good. I still have "consequences" stuck in my head.
This album I think is around 22 years old. All I can say is holy shit this is some awesome oldschool american oi. The guitar riffs are simple but still sound so damn good. I still have "consequences" stuck in my head.
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brassknuckle boys- songs about fighting
From the first note of the cd my toes were tapping away. This is how midpaced punk/oi should be done in my opinion. To me they are some what similar to the templars, labor force, or arrogant bastards with street wise lyrics. Granted this cd is now 12 years old as far as I know but it is still relevant as ever. some songs to check out off of this album if you haven't had the chance to listen to these guys yet would probably be "fighting poor", "I can find out where you live", "for you, mom", and "make the list".
From the first note of the cd my toes were tapping away. This is how midpaced punk/oi should be done in my opinion. To me they are some what similar to the templars, labor force, or arrogant bastards with street wise lyrics. Granted this cd is now 12 years old as far as I know but it is still relevant as ever. some songs to check out off of this album if you haven't had the chance to listen to these guys yet would probably be "fighting poor", "I can find out where you live", "for you, mom", and "make the list".
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labor force- true to the blue
I've had this cd for a while to be honest. This is american oi done right. If like hudson falcons or ducky boys I would defanily suggest checking this album out. It covers a range of topics from the union, lost friends, leaving home, broken hearts, lessons learned, and the cirmustances we choose and are force in to. some of the stand out tracks to me on this cd are "fnse", "Jimmy", "American nightmare" and "passing the torch". Give it a listen I highly doubt you will be let down
I've had this cd for a while to be honest. This is american oi done right. If like hudson falcons or ducky boys I would defanily suggest checking this album out. It covers a range of topics from the union, lost friends, leaving home, broken hearts, lessons learned, and the cirmustances we choose and are force in to. some of the stand out tracks to me on this cd are "fnse", "Jimmy", "American nightmare" and "passing the torch". Give it a listen I highly doubt you will be let down
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Glory boys-skinhead resistance
I have known about this band for a while. I was lucky enough to see them with in the past few years. This record does not disappoint at all, very solid oi through and through. This record is packed full of lyrics about skinhead life. "out tonight" which is about having a good time, drinking, and fighting. There is plenty of lyrics about drinking enough that it gives me the shakes even thinking about it, damn I need a drink haha. If you are a fan of good oi check this record out.
I have known about this band for a while. I was lucky enough to see them with in the past few years. This record does not disappoint at all, very solid oi through and through. This record is packed full of lyrics about skinhead life. "out tonight" which is about having a good time, drinking, and fighting. There is plenty of lyrics about drinking enough that it gives me the shakes even thinking about it, damn I need a drink haha. If you are a fan of good oi check this record out.
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